Illicit drugs: Attitudes of parents with adolescent children

A survey among 2000 mothers and fathers of adolescent children confirms parent's concern about illicit drugs Close to 40% of the respondents fear that their child, aged 11 to 16 years, could develop a drug problem. Those parents with the most apprehensions are to be found in the French-speaking and the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. It is also worthy to note that those fathers and mothers who have the impression that they are well informed about drugs are less fearful than those who feel insufficiently informed. Approximately one quarter of those questioned report lack of knowledge about illegal drugs and one third of parents do not know whom they could turn to in case someone in their immediate environment should have a drug problem. Many fathers and mothers have only scant knowledge about psychoactive substances and their related health risks. Most parents regard drug use as a social phenomenon and therefore assume that their child will be confronted with illegal drugs sooner or later: In order to hinder youngsters from using drugs respondents wish more prevention and information among parents as well as among children al school. However personal interviews show that parents consider it a difficult task to discuss drugs with their children. Some hints for the prevention are outlined.