Conversations with your child about risk-taking behaviours

Talking to your child about risky behaviours empowers your child to understand risks and make informed decisions if they are ever in a risky situation. 

Children and adolescents are curious about their environment and often seek more information from friends or those around them when presented with something new. 

  • By having conversations early, you can manage the accuracy and narrative of the information they receive.
  • It is important to know what is age-appropriate information for your child. Starting conversations from an age when they are mature enough to understand these topics allows for ongoing conversations as they develop through their teenage years.
  • At some point in their lives, a child or adolescent is likely to be exposed to risky situations, like drugs and alcohol.
  • Understanding a child's or adolescent's view of risky behaviours is important as it can help guide conversations and ensure they are well-informed. 

Discussing risky behaviour topics can be difficult, consider the following when starting the discussion:

Choose an appropriate time, space and place

Ask your child when and where would be a good time to have a discussion.  This will help ensure your child or teenager:

  • has time to prepare any questions they may have rather than feeling like they are being put on the spot
  • is not distracted or thinking of other things
  • feels comfortable.

In your own home, between the end of school or before bedtime may be the best time for your family to feel comfortable.

Acknowledge risk

Acknowledge substances like alcohol, drugs and other addictive substances are present in the community and that risks and consequences exist.  

You may want to raise age-appropriate topics that you are concerned with and ask your child if they have any concerns.  Discussing situations where a child may be exposed will help navigate how they would manage the situation and what decisions or actions they could take to stay safe.  

It is important to also discuss the risks as well as legal and health consequences of substances like drugs and alcohol.  You could start by explaining that substances fall into three categories:

  • everyday substances, for example, coffee or prescription medication, that there are risks of addiction or withdrawals
  • legal substances, for example, alcohol or cigarettes, that have more serious legal and health consequences such as under-age drinking fines and lung damage
  • illegal substances, for example, cocaine or MDMA, which can have severe legal and health consequences, like possession fines and overdoses.

Keep the discussion open

These types of conversations can often be uncomfortable to start.  By allowing time for discussion on risky behaviours it demonstrates support and that it is important to discussion. If your child or adolescent is not ready to have a discussion, it is okay to stop the conversation and try again at a later time.

Provide your child with accurate information

Finding reputable sources of information is the best way to ensure your child or teenager is informed. Apply the CRAAP Test to any information you find online:

  • C - Currency of information
  • R - Relevance of information
  • A - Authority of the author
  • A - Accuracy or repeatability on other sources
  • P - Purpose of why the author is writing it. 

Empower your child with rights and responsibilities

Children and adolescents have certain rights and responsibilities. Your child should have confidence in the positive choices they make when out in the community and know their responsibility when making decisions around alcohol and other drugs.

Discuss peer pressure

Your child or teenager may encounter situations where they feel pressured by their peers. If children and adolescents develop strong values and respect for themselves, the decisions they make will more likely be their own than those of their peers.

Discuss consent

Teaching your child to respect themselves and others will help them understand their personal boundaries and handle uncomfortable situations. This relates to physical touch, verbal conversations or interactions online.

For more information see Emerging Topics - Consent and Sexual Health - Sexual consent. 

See Resources for parents and children for more information.