Parents and children who communicate early and often with each other have a positive effect on keeping kids safe from underage substance use. In support of National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, we’re highlighting resources from the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign to help parents and caregivers get the help they need to make these conversations work. Check out the resources below to start, and keep up, the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.
Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs
1. Parents Have a Significant Influence in Their Children’s Decisions to Experiment With Alcohol and Other Drugs
2. It’s Better to Talk Before Children Are Exposed to Alcohol and Other Drugs
3. Some Children May Try Alcohol or Other Drugs at a Very Young Age
4. The Older Kids Get, the More Likely They’ll Try Alcohol or Other Drugs
5. Not Talking About Alcohol and Other Drugs Still Sends Kids a Message
Talking to Kids About Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals
Use These 5 Goals When Talking to Kids about Alcohol and Other Drugs
1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
2. Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success.
3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.
4. Show you’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behaviors.
5. Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and drug use.
Download the App
SAMHSA’s new “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign mobile app helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids. Download the app on the App Store, Google Play, and the Microsoft Store. Learn more about the app here.
Watch this quick video to learn more about the app and see how it works:
Keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Plan to have many short talks. Get more resources on the “Talk.They Hear You.” parent resources page.