Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • You can start talking to your children about drugs from an early age, this sets you up for ongoing conversations with your young person as they move through to their teen years.
  • Always consider what is age-appropriate information for your child.
  • Explain what drugs are, their functions, and which drugs are harmful or illegal.
  • Stick to the facts. If you exaggerate the harms or dangers you will sound less knowledgeable.
  • It will take time for your child to really understand the risks of drug use.
  • Other people (particularly peers) will talk to your child about drugs, so it is important to learn what your child knows, encourage them to ask questions, and clear up any misconceptions.
  • Your child will form attitudes about drug use from what they see at home, among their friends and in the media.

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 02-11-2022