Children have admitted buying alcohol

A study by Kathie Bull - who works for the UK's Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) - also criticises the States for failing to tackle alcohol abuse among young people.

She said children as young as 10 have admitted they had drunk alcohol and spent their pocket money on drink.

But the island's Alcohol and Drugs Service has said a support group may not be the best way forward because it could stigmatise young people.

'Move on'

Ms Bull's report criticises the States for not implementing a strategy aimed at youngsters and says Jersey needs a specialist service for five to 15-year-olds.

But Michael Gafoor, from the Alcohol and Drugs Service, said of such a service: "I don't believe it's a good idea, because you can easily stigmatise or marginalise young people.

"Lots of young people who experiment with drugs and alcohol will move on and change their lives and become fruitful members of society."

He also added that he believed it was fine for parents to give their children alcohol at home - as long as it was in moderation.