Recognising warning signs
As a parent, you may have concerns about your child experimenting with risky behaviours.
Knowing the signs of when a child may be taking part in risky behaviours can help to intervene early to provide education, guidance and support if needed. It is important to know some of these acts or signs can be a normal part of teenage behaviour.
Recognising subtle differences and changes in an adolescent's behaviour and having open conversations, will help to identify if there is cause for concern.
Whilst the majority of the signs relate to alcohol and other drugs, there are other signs to look out for with dangerous driving, risky sexual behaviour and violence.
Social
Social behaviour changes may include:
- withdrawal from the family or specific friends
- recurring anxiety, depression or anger
- a decline in school marks
- secretive behaviour, secret language or codes when talking to friends
- avoiding eye contact
- being out in the community regularly for extended periods of time without a parent or carers knowledge
- wanting to wash their own clothes or bed sheets more regularly
- family prescription medication missing or in a different location
- evidence of drug use around the house
- an increase in requests to borrow money.
Physical or psychological
Physical and psychological behaviour changes may include:
- hallucinations
- fatigue
- constant irritability
- vomiting
- bruising or signs of physical harm
- reduction in coordination or attention
- dizziness
- sweating
- headaches
- enlarged pupils, glassy or bloodshot eyes.
It’s important to note that warning signs of risky behaviour can present themselves in many different ways. Talking to your child about any concerns can be an easier way of understanding what they are going through and offering support.
See the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Drug Wheel or Your Room’s A-Z of Drugs to find out more information.
Visit Resources for parents and children to reach out to a health professional.