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Contact the NSPCC Helpline
You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected].
Our voice Helpline is available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday. You can email [email protected] at any time for free. You have the option to remain anonymous.
If we have not yet responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.
Under 18?
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
How to talk to children about drugs
It can be difficult to know how and when to start. Try having brief, open and relaxed conversations.
You could try using cues such as drug issues happening on TV, in the media or Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) projects at school to start a conversation.
Try to stay calm. It can be upsetting to find out your child is taking drugs, but getting angry and shouting may stop them from speaking to you in the future.
Talking to them calmly and when you're both relaxed will encourage them to be open about their actions and stop them from becoming secretive.
Encourage your child to be honest with you. Ask them what they're taking, how often and where they're getting the money to pay for it.
It's also important to find out why they're taking drugs. It could be due to stress, peer pressure or to boost their confidence. But there might be another reason. Listening to what they say and how they feel can give you an idea of how you can help.
Teaching your child about the effects of drugs can help them to make a decision for themselves and make sure they're aware of the risks.
Drugs can:
- affect their physical and mental well-being
- make them vulnerable to harm
- expose them to exploitation
Frank's glossary of drugs includes their slang names, effects, risks and the law.
If you don't feel confident talking about drugs, try familiarising yourself with them beforehand. Remember it's okay if they ask you something you don't know. You could even look on the Frank website together.
