To help prevent substance use:
Ensure that you talk to your child early about what you expect in his behaviour towards alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. If your teen believes that you have lax views about substance abuse then he is more likely to try them.
Keep your teen busy with positive activities, such as sports, music, choir or other hobbies and interests.
Make sure that your teen understands he must follow household rules. Set penalties for bad behaviour and consistently carry them out.
Keep talking with your teen. Encourage and praise him for the things he has done well.
Know your child’s friends. Friends who say no to cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs may be your teen’s best protection from substance abuse.
Find out more about about teen substance abuse
