Children learn about alcohol, tobacco and other substances from their friends and acquaintances. You cannot shield your child from harmful information, so protect them by providing an accepting atmosphere and correct information as an antidote.
For example, your child should know that the health risks of substance use are greater for a child’s developing body than for an adult. Furthermore, the younger the age at which substance use starts, the higher the risk of addiction.
Also, tell the child what to do if someone offers them substances. Tell them how they can refuse under peer pressure. For example, if you suspect that ‘no thanks’ is not enough, you can offer your child good justifications for exiting the situation without feeling embarrassed.
What if the child’s friend tries substances?
Even if your child is not interested in substances, they may be confronted with situations in which an acquaintance tries tobacco or gets intoxicated. Seeing friends or other young people experimenting with substances can cause the child to feel worried and anxious.
Therefore, maintain an atmosphere of openness: it is good that your child has the courage to tell you about their experience. Instead of judging, ask the child about the experience in more detail: How did the child feel and what did they do? What happened to the friend? Do the friend’s parents know about the experiment?
Stress also that the child should never leave a friend in poor condition alone, and they must not hesitate to call for help. The parents’ disappointment is always a lesser evil than something bad happening to the child’s friend.
