Tips for talking to children aged 4‒7
about drugs.
When you use medicine in the house, talk about why you
are using the medicine, how it can be used by only the
person who is unwell, and how sticking to the correct
dose is important (that is, we can't take too much).
Repeat simple information about the dangers of drugs,
smoking and alcohol, but also about the benefits of
nutritious food. In other words, take a two-pronged.
approach: some things are not good for our body, and
some things are great for us.
When you know your child has heard a hard drug (such
as heroin) mentioned in the media or in conversation, ask
your child if they know what it is. Tell them that the drug
is addictive and severely harms our bodies.
If your child sees someone smoking in a movie or on
television, talk about smoking, nicotine addiction and the
effects of smoking on your lungs and overall health.
If your child sees someone drinking heavily in a movie or
on television, talk about alcohol, alcohol addiction and
the effects of excessive drinking on your health.
Be specific about the effects of a drug, but keep it simple.
You can talk about a person getting very angry, for
example, rather than more extreme violence.
If your child asks for more information, give it to them.
Talk calmly and use terms that your child can understand.
Tips for talking to children aged 8‒12
about drugs.
Begin by asking them what they think about drugs. If you
ask in a casual, unjudging way, your child is more likely
to be honest with you.
If your child is uncomfortable talking to you about drugs,
or seems disinterested, let them know that you are ready
to talk whenever they are. They will come to you with
questions eventually.
Pay attention to their concerns and questions. Don't say
that any ideas or questions are silly: be open to all
questions, whether they are detailed or general.
If your child shows they have false information, gently
give them the correct information. Explain that they may
come across more wrong information, but they can check
everything with you.
Be aware of drug-related news that your child may hear,
such as drug use by professional cyclists or footballers.
And check that your child understands what has
happened, and the consequences of the drug use.
Tips for talking to children aged 13‒17
about drugs.
Try to understand your child's thoughts and feelings
about drug-related issues (such as drink driving), but also
be sure to talk about real risks of drug use. For example,
explain that drink driving is illegal (so a person who
drives under the influence may go to jail) and that
someone drink driving could end up killing or severely
injuring a pedestrian, a passenger, another road user or
themselves.
Consider making a written or verbal contract containing
the family rules about going out or using the car. As part
of the contract, make your child promise to call you if the
person responsible for driving has been drinking or using
drugs.
Be clear about your expectations of your child. The idea
is to be completely upfront about how you want your
child to behave in situations that involve alcohol and
other drugs.
Stay up to date with drug street names and how different
drugs affect the body, so you can give out the right
information. If you don't have the answers, let your child
know that you will find out what they want to know.
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