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Talk They Hear You
SAMHSA’s national youth substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use.
Talk. They Hear You.®: Start the Conversation About Alcohol and Other Drugs
Small conversations can make a big difference.
The Talk. They Hear You.® national campaign, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), empowers parents and caregivers to talk with their children about underage drinking and substance use.
Conversations about alcohol and other drugs don't have to be complicated or intimidating. Starting early and keeping the conversation going as children grow can help them make informed, healthy decisions.
Why These Conversations Matter
Underage drinking and substance use can have lasting effects on a young person's health, safety, and development. Alcohol and other drugs can affect the developing brain, impact school performance, impair judgment, and increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and other serious consequences.
According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use contributes to more than 178,000 deaths annually in the United States, making it a leading preventable cause of death.
As children grow older, they may face increased peer pressure, greater independence, and more opportunities to encounter alcohol and other substances. Having open, ongoing conversations can help them navigate these challenges.
Parents and Caregivers Make a Difference
Parents and caregivers play an important role in shaping their children's attitudes and decisions about alcohol and other drugs. Even when it may not seem like it, children hear what their parents say.
Starting conversations early, listening without judgment, and creating a safe space for questions can help build trust and encourage children to turn to a trusted adult when they need guidance.
It's never too early or too late to start talking. The Talk. They Hear You.® campaign provides resources for parents and caregivers of children of all ages, from elementary school through high school.
How to Start the Conversation
You don't need to have all the answers to talk with your child about substance use. Small, everyday conversations can help make these important topics easier to discuss.
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Start early: Introduce age-appropriate conversations about alcohol and other drugs before your child encounters them.
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Keep it ongoing: Revisit the conversation as your child grows and faces new situations.
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Listen and stay open: Encourage questions and let your child share their thoughts without fear of judgment.
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Be clear about expectations: Talk about your family's values and your expectations around alcohol and other drug use.
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Help them navigate peer pressure: Discuss ways to respond to challenging situations and make healthy decisions.
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Lead by example: Model healthy behaviors and responsible decision-making.
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
The Talk. They Hear You.® campaign offers helpful tools, conversation starters, videos, and practical guidance to help parents and caregivers feel more confident discussing alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other substances with their children.
North River Prevention Partners encourages families to make prevention an ongoing conversation. By talking early, listening often, and staying involved, parents and caregivers can help young people build the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices.
Start the conversation today. Your child is listening.
Explore the resources: SAMHSA's Talk. They Hear You.® Campaign
Learn more about youth substance use: SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health