Talking to kids about drugs.

 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.