AUSTRALIA
How to talk your child out of taking drugs
Teenagers are more likely to experiment with illicit drugs such as ecstasy at Schoolies Week celebrations because of peer pressure and a lack of parental supervision, one lobby group believes.
Drug Free Australia has produced a series of audio downloads for parents in the lead-up to the annual event for school-leavers, encouraging them to discuss the dangers of drugs with their children.
The organisation's executive officer, Jo Baxter, said illicit drug use was at an all-time high and substances such as ecstasy and ice have become increasingly "normalised" among young people. A tendency to label some substances as "recreational" or "party" drugs could give teenagers the impression they are safe. "In reality, the damaging effects of these drugs has been proven and recent research out of the United Kingdom found brain cells destroyed by ecstasy use are never replaced," Ms Baxter said. "Everyone's body chemistry is different so taking drugs like these could be like playing a game of Russian roulette."
Schoolies Week revellers could be more likely to experiment with illicit drugs because of pressure from their friends, she said. "Behaviour changes when young people get into groups and with Schoolies Week, they are relaxing after several years of demanding school studies.
"This could be the last time the group is together in the same place, so it's quite an emotional experience ... a lack of supervision and lower inhibitions might make people inclined to use drugs, whereas under normal circumstances this might not be the case." Taking drugs could also be appealing because it was seen as being cheaper than a night of drinking and some substances were easy to consume and conceal.
"Early conversations with young people are needed to ensure they can make responsible decisions ... these audio clips are designed to give parents the confidence to talk to their kids. We believe most teenagers actually want to have that conversation, but starting the talk is difficult. Some parents could feel a bit powerless because of a lack of knowledge."
Shannon Molloy
13 November 2008
Parents can download the audio clips from drugfree.org.au.
