Parent Resources

Talking to your teenagers about drugs, alcohol and vaping

About

As a parent, grand-parent, older sibling, guardian, or any adult ally, having conversations with kids and teenagers about drugs, alcohol and vaping can give them the tools and support they need to make safer, healthier choices. This page was created to help you navigate through sometimes challenging conversations and provide practical guidance for talking with youth about substance use.

Young people may encounter misinformation about drugs, alcohol or vaping, or they may have questions they feel unsure or embarrassed about asking. They need clear, factual information to help them make informed decisions.

Having ongoing conversations with kids and teens can strengthen understanding and encourage healthier choices.

This online portal brings together trusted, age-appropriate programs and resources that support learning about health topics that matter. The Health Canada Experiences modules on this page are self-learning tools designed for youth. They can be explored independently or used by parents, caregivers or any adult ally as a way to learn together and continue conversations at home.

Overview

Practical, age-appropriate guidance on topics that matter. Learn how to talk to kids and teens about substance use and support them in making safe choices.

On this page:

Cannabis and mental health
Opioids risks and overdose prevention
Considering the consequences of vaping
Reducing the risk of substance use

Supporting your teen around substance use

Here are some tips to help you engage with your teen in a way that promotes open and positive communication:

Know your goals for the conversation

Before the conversation, think about what you would like to achieve, for example:
- to start an ongoing conversation
- to understand how your teens feel about drug or alcohol use and vaping
- to express concern and offer support

Find the right time and place

Pick a place where you both feel comfortable or offer them control to pick the time and place
Don’t rush the conversation, come back to it another day if needed

Set the tone

Be casual
Be aware of your body language

Actively listen

Listen openly
Do not interrupt
Your teen is more likely to have a conversation if they feel respected and understood
Try to have an open, 2-way conversation so your teen can participate and ask questions

Show you care

If you are worried, tell them why and reassure them that your main concern is their well-being
Tell them you are trying to help them make good decisions by giving them information and being available to answer questions

Avoid being judgmental and keep an open mind

Be positive, open and remain calm
Resist the urge to lecture or use scare tactics
If your child feels judged or blamed, they may be less receptive to what you have to say
If your teen has used drugs, alcohol or has vaped, try to understand the reasons why
Be honest about your own drug and alcohol use
Answer any questions honestly

Give factual information

Factual information can help your teen make informed decisions
Ensure the conversation is age-appropriate
Focus on facts rather than emotions or fear
Talk about the short- and long-term effects that drugs, alcohol or vaping can have on their mental and physical health and safety
Explain that they may not always know what they are taking, and that some drugs are deadly (for example: counterfeit pills mixed with fentanyl)
Remind them about the laws around drugs, alcohol and vaping in your province or territory, like the legal drinking age or legal age to buy, possess, or use cannabis or nicotine

Resources

Talking with your teen about drugs, alcohol, and vaping isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s something you can build on over time.

Below, you’ll find activities and resources you can explore on your own or together with your child or teen. These interactive modules cover cannabis, alcohol, opioids, and vaping, offering straightforward information to help you stay informed and keep the dialogue going as a family.