Parental communication vital when it comes to young people avoiding or delaying using alcohol and drugs

The HSE’s Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide which gives practical advice to help protect children from alcohol and other drugs is now available, encouraging parents to communicate openly with their children. This updated resource provides ideas on having open conversations, ways to reduce the risk of alcohol and drug use, recognising substance use and what to do, and offers further support and information.

Young people are more likely to delay or avoid substance use when parents:

• Set clear expectations about alcohol and drugs
• Talk openly and honestly in an age-appropriate way
• Take an interest in their child’s lives and friendships
• Know where they are and who they are with
• Model healthy behaviours themselves.

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton said: "Supporting children and young people to make healthy, informed choices is a shared responsibility between families, schools and communities. This new guide is a valuable addition to the supports available to parents and carers, complementing the learning and skills development that take place through the SPHE curriculum.

“The information and practical advice it provides will help parents and carers to have open, honest and age-appropriate conversations about alcohol and other drugs, including inhalants, and to support their children in making positive choices. By working together, we can help ensure that children and young people are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need to protect their health and wellbeing.”

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said: “Supporting our young people to delay or avoid substance use delivers lifelong benefits for their health and wellbeing. Parents are among the most powerful influences in a young person's life, and this guide provides practical, evidence-based advice to help them have conversations within their family with confidence. I commend the HSE and all involved in developing this important resource. Protecting children and young people from the harms associated with alcohol and drug use is a key priority for Government. The forthcoming National Drugs Strategy places prevention at the very centre of our approach.”

Professor Bobby Smyth, HSE Adolescent Addiction Psychiatrist, said: “Parents play a central role in the education and attitudes of their children, none more so than when it comes to alcohol and drug use. Providing clear communication, setting boundaries, and modelling healthy behaviour are proven to help young people in their decision-making around alcohol and drug use and often lead to them avoiding or delaying substance use.

“For example, some parents may think it is ok to provide alcohol in the home however, studies show young people who get alcohol in the home are likely to start drinking earlier or binge drink. This guide supports parents in talking with their children about the risks associated with alcohol and drug use and the highlights the importance of having honest conversations around behaviour and expectations.”

Research on substance use among young people in Ireland

• The most common age to first drink alcohol is 15 years old.
• By age 15-16, about two thirds of young people have tried alcohol at least once.
• By age 16, about 1 in 8 young people have tried a drug, usually cannabis.
• By age 18, two-thirds of young people have never used drugs.
• 1 in 3 young people have been in a situation where they could have used drugs but chose not to.

Drug Trends

Although alcohol and cannabis remain the most commonly used substances among young people, being aware of drug trends can help to support conversations at home. Today’s drug markets change quickly, with new substances and products appearing, many of which are marketed in ways to appeal to young people.

Drugs are becoming stronger and more unpredictable, with new or modified substances appearing. These include cannabis, HHC and other cannabinoids, MDMA (ecstasy), cocaine, inhalants and nitrous oxide and ketamine.

Get help or advice

If you’re concerned about your child’s drinking or substance use and need confidential support, contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline:

Freephone: 1800 459 459 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Email: helpline@hse.ie.

How to communicate with your child about alcohol and other drugs