A survey on the accidental alcohol drinking by preschool children and an attempt to redesign the alcoholic drink symbol

Abstract

Recently, packages of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages look increasingly similar, which causes accidental alcohol drinking by children. First, we conducted a survey with parents regarding the accidental alcohol drinking. Second, we conducted an experiment with preschool children to examine whether the current and redesigned symbols would help them to distinguish alcoholic drinks. In the survey, 20% of the parents reported children's accidental drinking or misperception of packages. In the experiment, only the redesigned symbol helped children to distinguish alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The pictogram-based alcoholic drink symbol may prevent accidental alcohol drinking by preschool children.