Relationships and communication about substance use
What is it about?
Good relationships and effective communication between parents and their teenage children can help to prevent young people from starting to use alcohol, tobacco and drugs, as well as reducing the amount they might use if they do start. There are particular factors which influence how useful these conversations can be in influencing young people's alcohol, tobacco and drug use, including good relationships, discussion of parents' own use and particular messages about each substance.
Why is it important?
Preventing young people from using alcohol, tobacco and drugs has important public health implications, as the earlier such use starts, the more likely people will develop problems with alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Having effective conversations with parents can prevent young people from using these substances and experiencing problems. Parents should be encouraged to have open, constructive, credible, two-sided conversations with their adolescents about alcohol, tobacco and drug use.