This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Support for parents in discussing drink & drugs
20/01/2004
New guides to help parents discuss the dangers of both drug and alcohol misuse with their children are launched today by the Executive.
The publications, Drugs: what Every Parent Should Know and Alcohol: What Every Parent Should Know, are available from the Know The Score and Drinkline advice lines.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said:
"The problems that drug misuse bring are wide-ranging and complex. Drug misuse can shatter the lives of individuals and families, and threaten communities. We must discourage young people from dabbling with illegal substances. We must explain to them - in a language they understand - that there is no such thing as safe kicks with drugs.
"Prevention is always better than cure and the role of parents must not be underestimated. They are an important and respected source of guidance and advice for many young people. Our Know the Score parent's guide to talking about drugs aims to arm parents with facts and advice on how best to speak frankly and openly, in a family setting, with their children about drug issues. It also informs them of the support available to them should it be needed."
Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe said:
"Drinking alcohol is an accepted part of Scottish culture. But we all know, or at least should know that drinking heavily and binge drinking can have serious long-term health consequences.
"But our young people tend not to think of what may happen in the long term, they tend to live for the moment, seeing drinking alcohol as merely a part of growing up. Most young people drink without having serious problems and eventually will develop sensible drinking habits.
"However, binge drinking and drunken behavior in Scottish young people is on the increase. Recent statistics show that 38% of 15 year olds drink on a regular basis and just as worryingly, 17% of 13 year olds drink at least once a week. Ideally we'd like a complete end to underage drinking in Scotland, but a more realistic goal is to help young Scots understand the risks and keep safe when they drink.
"Many parents may think that their kids don't listen to them but what parents do and say has an effect. The parent's guide to talking about alcohol gives facts and figures to help parents point their children towards safe and healthy choices."
David Liddell, Director of the Scottish Drugs Forum, said:
"This is an excellent publication which will assist parents to have an open and honest discussion with their children about drug issues."
Alistair Ramsay MBE, Director of Scotland Against Drugs, said:
"Parents have needed help in dealing with drugs as they fear it might affect their families. It can be a very emotive subject and can cause tension if it is not approached sensitively. These booklets have been designed to provide help and will be welcomed by parents."
Jack Law, Chief Executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said:
"Alcohol Focus Scotland has been involved in the production of the parent's guide to alcohol and we believe it is a useful publication which will help parents address alcohol issues with their children in a positive way. As well as discussing alcohol issues, parents also have a responsibility to set a good example to young people through their own drinking.
"This guide is an example of one of the ways in which we can change our drinking culture and help Scottish teenagers grow up knowing how to enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly."
Lesley Hinds, Chair of NHS Health Scotland, said:
"As a parent myself I know it can sometimes feel that you don't have a lot of influence over your children. But research shows that teenagers do want to know what their parents' views are on drugs and alcohol. It's not about lecturing teenagers but having focused discussion and being aware what messages we give off by our own behaviour. These booklets will be of real practical value for parents."
The guides have been produced as part of a collaboration between the Scottish Executive, NHS Health Scotland, Scottish Drugs Forum, Scotland Against Drugs, Alcohol Focus Scotland, Kay Roberts (Independent Pharmacy Consultant, Drug Misuse) and Barbara O'Donnell (National Alcohol Liaison Officer).
Both publications are being made available from the Know The Score and Drinkline advice lines (0800 587 5879 and 0800 917 8282 respectively).
NHS Health Scotland will be distributing the guides to a range of outlets including Health Boards, pharmacies, GP practices, Local Healthcare Co-operatives, Social Work Departments and Directors of Education as of February 9.
Research carried out during the development of the guides found that parents were concerned that drug taking among young people is growing, had a perception that drugs are more widely available and that under age drinking and binge drinking were becoming more common. The research found that the guides would be a welcome resource given these concerns.
Key findings from the Scottish Schools' Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey (SALSUS) 2002, published on 27 November 2003 include:
- Reported use of drugs has changed little since 1998, with 23 per cent of 15 year olds and 8 per cent of 13 year olds having used drugs in the last month prior to the survey. Cannabis was the most commonly reported drug used. Very few pupils reported using any other drug
- 17 per cent of 13 year olds reported that they drink alcohol once a week or more, on a regular basis, with 38 per cent of 15 year olds reporting that they drank on a regular basis
- Reported drinking in the week prior to the survey has increased over the last four years among 15-year-old boys and girls and among 13-year-old girls, but not 13-year-old boys