Can we protect our Children from Drugs?

 When and how should we talk to our children

about the dangers of drugs?

In an ideal world, drugs would not exist, and we wouldn’t have to worry about talking to children about drugs. Unfortunately, drugs are readily available in more places than we care to imagine, in many forms, including legal highs, which can be purchased from legitimate stores.

We hope that our children will be educated at school about the dangers of drugs, and we as parents can talk to them and explain about different drugs, including the dangers they can have even just by taking drugs once.

I speak very openly with my sons about most things, and I have spoken with them in detail about drugs and the effects that they can have on you.  I have especially focused on ecstasy (at this time) and how even if your friend takes one and appears fine, it can react differently to different people (According to studies).

See the study report on ecstasy here

Only this Morning, I heard the sad news of the 16-year-old school boy Daniel Spargo-Mabbs, who died after taking ecstasy for the first time. Even though we can not force our children to choose the right path in life and avoid taking drugs, we can give them the tools to hopefully make the right decisions and, above all, be confident and informed enough to say no to peer pressure.

Daniel Spargo-Mabbs story here

Be open with your child and talk

I, for one, as a parent, will talk to my two boys tonight and tell them the devastating news of this young school boy. I will not preach; I will just discuss with them the dangers of even trying it once. I will include my 11-year-old in this conversation as I feel he is at the right age to be informed of the dangers of drugs now that he is in high school.

As your kids grow older, you can begin conversations with them by asking them what they think about drugs. This can be done by simply asking key questions like “HAVE YOU EVER BEEN OFFERED DRUGS ?” and “WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DRUGS ?” I always try to ask questions in a non-judgmental way, allowing them to speak and have their honest opinion on the topic. I know my children are very responsive to being spoken to and are even better at sharing their views, which are generally strong and, most of all, honest.

My Children are ages 11 and 17, and both will talk openly to my husband and me about even the toughest topics. I feel that speaking to my children in this way leaves the conversation open and allows them to come back with questions at any time they feel necessary (this way, I don’t feel as though I am preaching at them).

I will answer any questions they have during our conversation, and hopefully, I will know the correct thing to say to them. If I do not know the answer, I will find it out for them through researching at the library or by using Google or even speaking to my G.P.

I do believe Parents should also be taught drug awareness in school, as there are so many new drugs out with new names that I am unaware of, and would not know the signs to look for in someone who has taken certain drugs. I need to be more up to date with the drugs that are out there now.

Recognising when a young person needs professional help can be difficult, particularly with potent substances such as fentanyl that can cause severe reactions at low doses. Knowing the range of evidence-based responses—medical detox, medication-assisted therapy and ongoing behavioural support—helps families make informed decisions about next steps. For a clear overview of fentanyl risks and treatment options, see Source: Legacy Healing Center (2025). If you have immediate concerns, reach out to a GP, school counsellor or local addiction service for assessment and guidance.

Why Do I Worry? (Here is a little story)

My son, who was actually 16 years old at the time, was offered drugs on his first day at college. This took place a few hundred yards away from the college itself, while in company with his tutors (Can you believe that I would say to these people, ‘get some morals’)? Two men were walking alongside my son and his friend, whilst they walked slightly behind the rest of the college group, who were heading to a local art gallery to research for a project. One of these males approached my son and asked him if he smoked, My son replied “NO” the male then asked him if he wanted any  ‘BERRIES’  and my son said “NO” again. Now, after being sensibly told “NO” by my son, the male clenched his fist and tapped my son’s knuckles, stating “RESPECT MAN”. The male then walked away, leaving my son and his friend alone, thankfully.

My Upset

BERRIES is a new drug that I know nothing about. I was outraged and shocked to say the least. I can’t believe people (or these drug dealers) are out there willing to offer drugs to minors, never mind anyone else.

I was very happy that my son felt comfortable enough to share this with me. I stayed calm and didn’t overreact, even though inside I was enraged that this could happen on my son’s first day of real independence.  If I had gone over the top and gone on and on about it, he would have never talked to me about anything in the future (I mean, would you tell your mum if she harped on about a subject? I know I wouldn’t have).

I strongly believe that friends who take drugs and new friends they meet in college or work can have a big influence over your child’s future if you don’t help continue to guide them. Look out for any changes in your teen’s personality, such as asking for more money than usual or changes in their behaviour. Although these can be innocent, they can also be something to monitor.

No parent, child, or family is immune to the effects of drugs. Some of the best kids can still end up in trouble, even when they have made an effort to avoid it and even when they have received proper guidance from their parents.

All I can do is hope and trust that my children will behave themselves and make the right decisions in life. It’s a shame that we, as parents, have to worry about external influences affecting our children’s lives.

If you would like to know more about drugs and street slang, I have found the following list to help you determine any new words you may not recognise.

Drugs Street Slang List UK by the telegraph

I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject, and please feel free to share your stories, opinions and views on the subject below. Likewise, if you have any tips that you feel may help other parents, please share them with us.