‘Parents Matter’ Webinar Series

Parents Matter

Information and support for parents on drugs, alcohol and adolescence

Parents Matter provides trusted, evidence-based information to help parents understand drugs, alcohol and adolescence. While many factors influence teenage substance use, parents are the most important protective influence in a young person’s life.

Through webinars, podcasts and resources, Parents Matter supports parents to:

Understand adolescent development and current drug trends
Delay or prevent early substance use
Recognise early warning signs
Have informed, supportive conversations with their teenager

Watch: Parents Matter Webinars

Vaping Products and Psychoactive Substances – What Parents Should Know

Recorded webinar – October 2025

Practical guidance for parents on vaping, nicotine and emerging psychoactive substances, including cannabis-related products. This webinar explores current trends, why delaying drug use matters and how parents can support healthy decision-making.
Watch on YouTube here

Parents Matter: The Role of Parents in Substance Prevention and Education

Recorded webinar – November 2023

Explores adolescent brain development, drug trends (including cannabis edibles), and practical steps parents can take to reduce the risk of substance-related harm.
Watch on YouTube here

Parents Matter: Supporting Parents on Drugs and Adolescence

Recorded webinar – June 2023

A holistic overview of adolescence, substance use among teenagers, and drug education and prevention in the family setting.
Watch on YouTube here

Listen: HSE Health and Wellbeing / Parents Matter Podcasts

Parents Matter, How Parents can help prevent their kids from using drugs and alcohol.

Professor Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, discusses current drug and alcohol trends and practical ways parents can support healthy choices and reduce risk.

Listen here

Youth Drug & Alcohol Support

HSE Youth Drug and Alcohol (YoDA) clinicians discuss substance use among young people, early warning signs, and the importance of early intervention and open family communication.

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Vaping, Teens and the Truth: Protecting Young People

HSE experts explore vaping and nicotine products, how they are marketed to teenagers, and how parents can recognise dependence and start conversations

Listen here

Youth, Alcohol & Health

A discussion on peer pressure, alcohol and adolescent health, and the importance of delaying alcohol use, with insights from youth services and young people.

Listen here

Listen on Podbean and on the HSE Health and Wellbeing YouTube channel

Resources for parents

Access trusted information and practical supports for parents.

View resources for parents.