{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"What drugs are teens of today using and how to talk to them about it","description":"

Are Australian teenagers really taking more risks than previous generations, or is the story more complicated?

With constant headlines about youth crime, vaping and drug use, many parents assume today's teenagers are engaging in more risky behaviour than ever before. But the latest Australian research tells a different story.

In this episode of Let's Reconnect, registered psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores the latest Australian statistics on teenage alcohol, vaping, smoking and illicit drug use. You'll learn why today's teens are actually drinking less alcohol, delaying substance use for longer, and smoking fewer cigarettes than previous generations, while also unpacking why vaping has emerged as a significant concern.

Most importantly, this episode focuses on what parents can do. Rather than relying on lectures or fear, Breanna shares practical strategies to help parents become the trusted adult their child feels safe talking to about drugs, alcohol and peer pressure.

Because when it comes to protecting young people, maintaining a strong relationship is one of the most powerful protective factors we have.


In this episode you'll learn:

• Why Australian teenagers are drinking less than previous generations

• The latest research on alcohol, vaping, smoking and cannabis use among young people

• Why vaping has become the biggest emerging concern for parents

• How adolescent brain development affects risk-taking and substance use

• Why curiosity works better than punishment when discussing drugs and alcohol

• How to create an environment where your tween or teen feels safe telling you the truth

• Conversation starters that encourage openness instead of shutting communication down

• Why \"a worried parent often looks like an angry parent\" and how to avoid this trap


Whether your child is 10 or 17, the conversations you have today can shape whether they come to you when the stakes are much higher tomorrow.

If you found this episode helpful, please follow Let's Reconnect, leave a review, and share this episode with another parent navigating the tween and teenage years.


1. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 (Main Report)

This is the overarching report covering alcohol, tobacco, vaping and illicit drugs.

Link:

National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023

2. Alcohol Consumption in Australia

This page contains the statistics about:

Link:

AIHW – Alcohol Consumption

3. Young People's Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping and Drug Use

Link:

AIHW – Young People's Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, E-cigarettes and Illicit Drugs

4. Young People's Use of Vapes and E-cigarettes

Link:

AIHW – Young People's Use of Vapes and E-cigarettes

5. Tobacco & Vaping Data

Link:

AIHW – Tobacco and E-cigarettes (Vapes)

6. AIHW Summary of Key Findings

A nice one-page summary

Includes:

Link:

AIHW – Key Findings Summary


teen drinking Australia, teenage vaping, parenting teenagers, talking to teens about alcohol, vaping in Australian schools, cannabis and teenagers, adolescent brain development, parenting tweens, drugs and alcohol conversations, raising teenagers, Australian parenting podcast, child psychologist podcast, teen mental health, positive parenting, Let's Reconnect podcast.

","author_name":"Breanna Jayne Sada"}