Parents urged to foster open talks on youth substance use
The HSE has released an updated guide offering parents practical advice on discussing alcohol and drugs with their children to reduce early substance use. This new resource supports families across Ireland in building resilience and healthy choices among young people.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has unveiled an updated resource titled Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide, designed to assist parents in having open and honest conversations with their children about alcohol and drug use. This guide offers practical strategies to help delay or prevent substance use among young people by promoting clear communication, recognising signs of substance use, and providing guidance on seeking further support.
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, emphasised the importance of collaboration between families, schools, and communities in guiding young people towards healthy decisions. She highlighted how the guide complements the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum by equipping parents with age-appropriate advice to foster confidence and resilience in their children.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, underlined that empowering parents with evidence-based tools is crucial in preventing early substance use, a government priority reflected in the upcoming National Drugs Strategy. Psychiatrist Professor Bobby Smyth echoed this, noting that parental communication, boundary-setting, and role modelling are key factors in influencing young people’s choices. The guide also addresses emerging drug trends, including stronger and more varied substances such as HHC, MDMA, and nitrous oxide, which pose new challenges for families.
Parents concerned about their child’s substance use can access confidential support via the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459 or by email at [email protected]. The HSE welcomes feedback on this beta version of the guide to ensure it meets families’ needs effectively.
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, emphasised the importance of collaboration between families, schools, and communities in guiding young people towards healthy decisions. She highlighted how the guide complements the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum by equipping parents with age-appropriate advice to foster confidence and resilience in their children.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, underlined that empowering parents with evidence-based tools is crucial in preventing early substance use, a government priority reflected in the upcoming National Drugs Strategy. Psychiatrist Professor Bobby Smyth echoed this, noting that parental communication, boundary-setting, and role modelling are key factors in influencing young people’s choices. The guide also addresses emerging drug trends, including stronger and more varied substances such as HHC, MDMA, and nitrous oxide, which pose new challenges for families.
Parents concerned about their child’s substance use can access confidential support via the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459 or by email at [email protected]. The HSE welcomes feedback on this beta version of the guide to ensure it meets families’ needs effectively.
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