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