“Youth Network Created to Participate and Transform Alcohol Policies in Mexico”
Acción Sobre Alcohol reports:
“The network ‘Voces Jóvenes por el Derecho a la Salud Mx’ (Young Voices for the Right to Health Mexico) was launched by Servicios a la Juventud A.C. (Seraj) and Red de Acción Sobre Alcohol (RASA). ENCODAT 2025 data shows alcohol use among minors declined from 39.8% (2016) to 33.9% (2025) – a 14.8% decrease.
“Globally, over 155 million adolescents aged 15–19 use alcohol; alcohol accounts for 13% of deaths among those aged 20–39. The network focuses on commercial determinants: advertising, sponsorship, availability, and pricing.”
Assessment
The ENCODAT 2025 data showing a 14.8% decline in youth alcohol use is encouraging, but one in three minors still uses alcohol despite existing age limits – a gap between legislation and enforcement. The network’s focus on commercial determinants – affordability, advertising, event sponsorship, availability – targets the policy levers that evidence shows actually reduce alcohol harm.
The collaborative structure uniting Seraj’s youth development expertise with RASA’s alcohol policy knowledge is well designed. As Mexican civil society unites behind comprehensive alcohol policy reform, this youth network adds a new voice to the growing coalition.