RESEARCHERS are taking on a unique project in an attempt to change the behaviour of teenagers and prevent them from getting into dangerous situations as a result of alcohol.

Dorothy Newbury-Birch, professor of alcohol and public health research at Teesside University’s Health and Social Care Institute, is leading the project after securing a £866,000 grant from the National Institute for Health Research.

Up to 4,000 teenagers will be asked about their alcohol use as part of the study, with 600 being signed up to take part in the trial.

Half of those will receive an intervention from a learning mentor at their school who will talk to them about their behaviour, choices and the dangers associated with alcohol.

The research team will then re-engage with the 600 teenagers a year later to see if they have reduced their drinking.

Professor Newbury-Birch said the research will focus on 14 and 15-year-olds.

She said: “We all know that many teenagers experiment with alcohol, but we want to provide them with the tools and motivation to change their behaviour.

“Aside from the obvious health implications associated with alcohol consumption at that age, there are the other dangers, such as getting involved in fights and sexual activity and the risky decisions teenagers can make when alcohol is involved.

“Our aim is to educate them and prevent them getting into risky and potentially dangerous situations in the first place.”

The research is due to last for two years and gets underway in September.

Project manager Dr Emma Giles, a senior research lecturer in Teesside University’s School of Health and Social Care, added: “We carried out a successful pilot trial in the North-East and are delighted to secure funding to extend this research which could make a significant difference to the lives of young people."