WHEN SHOULD I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT DRUGS?

As a parent you can have a significant influence on your child’s attitudes and decisions about drug use.  It is important to open this kind of dialogue with your children from an early age since your influence on their attitudes and decisions about drugs is greatest before they exposed to drugs or to people who might use them.

Giving your children accurate information about drugs including methamphetamine, sharing your attitudes about drugs and talking openly on this topic lets your children know that you are happy to have conversations about a range of subjects, including the ones that might seem harder to talk about.  This can reassure them that no questions or issues are off limits.

If your child is engaged in school drug education, ask them about what they are learning and use this as a guide to extend their learning in the home environment.

While most young people will not have problems with alcohol or other drugs, providing a supportive family environment where issues of concern can be raised and talked through fosters resilience, and can reduce the risk of problems arising.  Establishing a pattern of open discussion also reassures young people that you will be there for them even if they do end up in a difficult situation.

This information is from the SDERA (School Drug Education and Road Aware) website. SDERA provide schools with up to date, evidence based drug education for students.

For more information read the Fact Sheet:

Talking with your children about drugs

By following this link https://www.sdera.wa.edu.au/media/2430/talking-with-your-children-about-drugs-nov-2017.pdf

For any questions or queries regarding any health issues please don’t hesitate to contact me by leaving a message in the front office or email: felicity.lukins@heatlh.wa.gov.au

Felicity Lukins

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE