Alcohol Drugs and Youth
Parents, guardians and caregivers play a significant role in a child’s life. You are a role model. Stay connected by talking to your child, knowing their friends and being prepared.
Cannabis and parenting |
Cannabis may affect your ability to safely take care of your baby or child. It is important to be attentive as your child grows and develop. It is through your attentive relationship that your child learns and thrives. Always ensure there is someone available who is not using cannabis to take care of your child. If you are using cannabis it can affect your parenting by:
As a result:
Some things to think about if you are using cannabis while parenting is:
Keep your cannabis out of reach of children:
View our Cannabis and Health Effects page |
Facts about cannabis |
Cannabis is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 to buy, use, posses or grow. Start the conversation about drugs (cannabis and others) with your kids. It is important because the bodies and brains of young people are still developing and cannabis can be harmful to them. Used regularly, cannabis can trigger changes and damage to the brain. Being open and talking often about drugs will help your kids make informed decisions. Although most youth in Ontario do not use cannabis, even occasional use has its risks.
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Have the conversation |
It is never too late to start the conversation:
View the How to Talk to your Children about Cannabis infographic. |
Talking about cannabis and driving |
Talk to your children early, openly and often about the effects of cannabis impaired driving. Your children understand drinking and driving is dangerous. Help them learn that cannabis impaired driving is too! Cannabis reduces your ability to drive by impairing your:
It is important to start the conversation with your children.
Facts
Resources |
Unintentional cannabis poisoning in children |
When someone uses cannabis they can experience impaired attention, decision-making, and memory which can increase the risk for unsafe storage and disposal of cannabis products. Common signs of cannabis toxicity in children include (but are not limited to):
Unintentional cannabis poisoning in young children has been shown to increase significantly after legalization of cannabis. Strategies to prevent unintended cannabis poisonings in children:
To report a poisoning or for information call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017. For more information read the Ontario Poison Centre’s information on Cannabis and Kids. |
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