This guide can help you have a meaningful, non-threatening conversation with your teen about vaping. You won’t find a set of scripted questions – we don’t want to put words in your mouth. Instead, we’ll share: Conversation starters based on your teen’s vaping behaviour and insights from our research about what your teen might be thinking and feeling, and what you can say to help. These insights are based on our recent survey interviews and in-depth conversations with teens across Australia.
Drug Policies Contravening International Drug Conventions & Rights of the Child – This insightful research report on the misuse of drug policy vehicles shows not only an increase in harms it is supposed to mitigate, but more concerning, a disregard for the international Rights of Children.
Vaping has become one of the most popular forms of substance use among young people, despite growing evidence of its health risks and harms. Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol produced when using an electronic vapor device. Typically, the ingredients include nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals, many of which are toxic. Some vaping products contain marijuana or other drugs. As parents and caregivers, we want to do all that we can to protect our children from the negative effects that vaping can have on a young person’s developing brain. Whether a child has not yet tried vaping, has already begun to vape or vapes regularly, this guide can help you. We break down what vaping is, why it appeals to youth, what the health risks are and what you can do to protect young people from its harms.
Adverse childhood experiences are ‘strong predictor’ for adolescent cannabis use.
Young people who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences between the ages of 0 – 12 years, including parental drug misuse, are at highest risk for developing problematic adolescent cannabis use as teenagers, according to a new study.
Adverse childhood experiences (‘ACEs’) considered included physical, emotional and sexual abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, parental substance use, violence between parents, parental mental health challenges, and a parent being convicted of a criminal offence.
Risks for problematic adolescent cannabis use are highest for individuals reporting 4 or more ACEs, and were particularly raised for those with parental substance use or abuse
(What are you modelling to your kids? Permission models such as legalisation of cannabis are only going to precipitate greater harms to already vulnerable Gen Now and Gen Next - #preventdontpromote)
Also see
Building Resilience in Children Aged 9-13: A Most Effective Method of Illicit Drug Use Prevention #WorldResiliencyDay23 #WorldDrugDay
It is no secret that illicit drug use is a major problem in our society. And the reasons for that are many. However, it is a growing irresilience and a careless drug use normalising ‘adult culture’ that model the very elements that undermine resilience such as poor impulse control, inability to delay gratification, externalizing blame in crises and a general lack of accountability in a ‘party hard’ context. All these are big drivers of this emerging public health crisis in Gen Now.
Tragically, and disturbingly, many children and young adults are exposed to drugs at an early age, leading to all to quickly to addiction modes and long-term health issues – there is NO level of ‘safe’ drug use for the developing brain – To combat this issue, it is important to focus on prevention rather than treatment. One of the most effective methods of preventing illicit drug use in children aged 9-13 is building resilience.
Resilience is defined as the ability to cope with stress, challenge, tragedy, trauma or adversity without engaging self-harming behaviours for temporary, but ultimately, resiliency undermining ‘relief’.
It helps children develop key capacities such as the ability to plan, monitor and regulate behaviour which enables them to respond adaptively to difficult situations. Building resilience in children aged 9-13 can help them make better decisions when faced with peer pressure or other difficult situations involving substances.
There are many ways parents and caregivers can help build resilience in their children.
First and foremost is reinforcing the fact that drug use is ‘bad’, because it is dangerous, physically, psychologically, emotionally and behaviourally. Not only informing those in your care with evidence-based education but modelling that conduct yourselves. No good the ‘do as I say, don’t do as I do’ mantra. The demonstration is a far more powerful ‘educator’ than mere instruction.
Another vital tool is providing a safe and supportive environment for them to express their feelings. This can help them learn how to manage their emotions more effectively. Encouraging positive self-talk and helping them identify their strengths can also be beneficial for building resilience. Additionally, teaching your child problem solving skills such as brainstorming solutions or seeking out support from trusted adults can help them find constructive ways of dealing with difficult situations involving drugs or alcohol.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified several strategies for preventing drug use among young people including creating supportive family environments, strengthening social networks and increasing access to education and employment opportunities. These strategies all involve building resilience in children aged 9-13 so that they have the skills necessary to make healthy decisions when faced with challenges related to drugs or alcohol.
At the Dalgarno Institute we believe that building resilience in children aged 9-13 is one of the most effective methods of preventing illicit drug use. We provide evidence-based programs designed specifically for this age group which focus on developing life skills such as communication, problem solving and decision making which are essential for building resilience. Our programs also emphasise the importance of positive relationships between parents/caregivers and their children as well as between peers so that young people feel supported during times of difficulty or adversity.
Building resilience in children aged 9-13 is an important step towards preventing illicit drug use among young people today. Parents/caregivers should take advantage of available resources such as those provided by the UNODC and Dalgarno Institute so that they can give their children the best chance at success by equipping them with the tools necessary for making healthy decisions when faced with challenging situations involving drugs or alcohol.
Sources:
1) https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/
2) https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/prevention/youth_prevention_strategies_for_drug_abuse_and_hivaids_.html
3) https://nobrainer.org.au/index.php/student-teacher/curriculum/828-protective-factor-number-one-in-drug-use-prevention-science
4) https://dalgarnoinstitute.org.au/images/resources/pdf/Dalgarno__UNODC_Doc_19-12-22.pdf
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