Young People

It can be upsetting to find out that a young person is using drugs. However, there are lots of places that can help them with their drug use. Importantly, there are also places that you can go to get support for yourself while you assist them. This conversation gives you some tips on how to handle finding out a young person is using drugs, or has an addiction.

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As a carer it is normal to worry about young people's safety, particularly when they become old enough to start going to parties, or to think about trying drugs. The good news is that you can help keep young people safe through their teenage years and beyond. This conversation will help you do just that.

As young people start growing up they are more likely to experiment and take risks. They become curious about trying new things. What do you, as a carer, need to know about young people and drugs? This conversation is here to help you answer that question.

Puberty, bullying and 'the birds and the bees'. There are all sorts of big talks that we have with the young people in our lives. At some point, you may find that alcohol, tobacco or other drugs is something you'd like to cover. This 'Community Conversation' is designed to help you have that talk.

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In this video, Jonathan - a Lived Experience Speaker - talks about his experience of alcohol use, and how that has shaped his conversations about drugs with his children.This video is part of the Community Conversations project and is featured in the conversation 'Connecting through Conversation'.

In this video, Maria - A DEN Educator - talks about the important information young people need to know to stay safe. This video is part of the Community Conversations project and is featured in the conversation 'Keeping them Safer'.

The Party Rules resource was developed to inform parents and young people about the legislation regarding holding functions and parties with alcohol, for those under 18 years of age.

Use the Printable checklist to plan your own party!

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Mocktails + Mastery is a book of non-alcoholic drink recipes with a sprinkle of related knowledge. Full to the brim with recipes for mocktails, this book examines drinking culture, how alcohol works in the body, and much more. Mocktails + Mastery is full of practical tips for feeling good and making delicious beverages.

A community brochure that explores how to talk about alcohol and other drugs with your children at various ages.

This brochure was created in collaboration with the Australian Lions Wellness Foundation (ALWF) (Formerly ALDAF).

E-cigarettes/vapes are spoken about a lot, and your child could see them on social media, through friends or other sources. They may have questions and may even have tried them. It’s important to have open communication with your child, to help them as they face new experiences and challenges. Here are some tips for talking about e-cigarettes with your child.

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It might surprise you to learn that alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use are higher among people living in remote areas than those living in the big cities. Almost one third of young Australians live in rural and remote communities, so it is important to understand why they might be more at risk.

Stigma is often associated with mental health and drug use disorders, and can have lasting impacts including harassment, bullying and preventing young people from seeking help. Learn more in this Webinar from Positive Choices: Understanding stigma - creating a safe supportive environment for Australian young people