This review examines the major socialising influences on children and young people as they learn about alcohol and begin to drink. The review focuses on the UK although in other countries there is also concern about children and young people’s alcohol consumption (eg the US: CDCP, 2006; SAMHSA, 2007). The review draws on a body of international research that spans a wide age range from infants aged 6 months to young people in their twenties (24 years old).