Berlin - Germans have become more and more concerned at the rise in reports of underage drinking and cheap alcohol parties for young adults.

But German teenagers are in fact consuming less alcohol than their peers did in the 1970s, according to Germany's Federal Union for the Protection of Young Persons.

Their information is based on data produced by Germany's Federal Centre for Health Education, a public body that promotes healthy lifestyles.

However, the figures do indicate that today's teenagers are beginning to consume increasing volumes of alcohol.

In 2005, 18 per cent of German teenagers drank alcoholic drinks on a regular basis. In 2007, that figure was 22 per cent.

Most 11 to 15-year-olds are not drinking, according to the Federal Union for the Protection of Young Persons but 16 to 19-year-olds are consuming considerably higher volumes.

Twenty to 25-year-olds are regularly drinking but to less excess, indicating that drinking habits change with age.

What is on the rise is binge drinking. In 2005, 20 per cent of teenagers said they experienced binge drinking in the previous 30 days whereas in 2007 it was 26 per cent.

The number of teenagers admitted to hospital for alcohol poisoning more than doubled between 2000 and 2005 from 9,500 young adults to 19,400. (dpa)