Teenagers who drink very low amounts of alcohol increased their chances of high-risk alcohol abuse and sexual behaviors, Australian researchers discovered.

The team at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne said their study, which tracked 1,520 young people's drinking habits over more than 10 years from the mid-teens, shows no "safe" or "sensible" level of drinking for adolescents, according to Fairfax newspapers.

The newspapers said the study casts doubt on national guidelines that suggest there is a low risky level for young adults less than 18 years to drink.

Experts said the research provides evidence for the doubt and could fuel a campaign to raise the legal drinking age in Australia.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2009)