New Resource for Parents to combat Underage Drinking and Drug Use

The Australian Drug Foundation has launched a new online resource today to help parents to have ‘The Other Talk’ with their children about alcohol and other drugs.

Research shows that one in five 16 and 17 year olds drink risky amounts of alcohol at least once a month and 36% of 12-17 year olds drink to get drunk every time they consume alcohol¹.

Research also shows that parents are the greatest influence on their teenagers and they can deter adolescent drinking and have a vital role to play in drug prevention.

The new online resource, www.theothertalk.org.au will provide information that can make having The Other Talk a little easier for parents and marks the beginning of Drug Action Week, 16-21 June.

CEO of the Australian Drug Foundation, John Rogerson, said “The Australian Drug Foundation has been working closely with parent groups who have told us they want one place with all the information about alcohol and other drugs. Parents are familiar with the talk about sex, now it’s time to have The Other Talk. We all want our children to grow up healthy, and having The Other Talk can help prevent future problems.”

“The facts have changed, we know more about the effects of alcohol and other drugs and they are more harmful than previously thought,” said Mr Rogerson. “Young people’s brains are still developing and drinking early can cause irreparable damage.”

“Drugs are often still a taboo subject within families. We want to make it easier for parents to feel comfortable enough to initiate the conversation about alcohol and drugs, and feeling informed is a
big part of that. Our new initiative provides parents with all the information they need so they feel able to talk openly with their kids about alcohol and drugs.”

The Other Talk’ initiative by the Australian Drug Foundation, will also include an ad campaign with a YouTube advertisement and advertisements to run across print, radio and social media.

For more information visit the website www.theothertalk.org.au

References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011 Australian School Students Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) survey

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