Parents are advised to talk to their children about drugs

The aim is to help reassure parents - and correct the misinformation young people may be receiving.

Parents are being advised to talk about drink and drugs with their children.

Research has suggested that youngsters do care what their parents think - even though it may not always appear that they do.

The publications, Drugs: what Every Parent Should Know and Alcohol: What Every Parent Should Know, are available from the Know The Score and Drinkline advice lines.

The executive said the publication of the guide was the first time it had deliberately targeted parents to ensure the anti-drugs message gets across to youngsters.

The important thing is not to raise the issue in a crisis. We know this is the worst possible situation Sally Haw Health Scotland

However, a new study has suggested that alcohol may be a greater problem than drugs for young teenagers.

The research by Sally Haw was being published on Tuesday by Health Scotland.

"It is important that young people talk to their parents about the issues and parents have a part to play in this," she said.

"The important thing is not to raise the issue in a crisis. We know this is the worst possible situation, parents panic if their kids come home drunk or suspect they may have taken drugs."

Kevin Williamson, the Scottish Socialist Party's spokesman on drugs, told BBC Radio Scotland that education and information about drugs should come form those who have been directly involved with them.

"The reason children aren't going to their parents to talk about drugs is because the information that has been put out there is very disapproving and judgemental," said Mr Williamson.

'Listen to children'

"Rather than having parents thinking that if their child is taking drugs, it's a one-way ticket to heroin addiction, we should be telling parents not to panic and to listen to the kids without judging them."

He added: "The best people to be giving out information is people who have used drugs themselves, and people who have dealt with people on drugs - not the Scottish Executive."

Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said the problems that drug misuse bring "are wide-ranging and complex".

He added: "Prevention is always better than cure and the role of parents must not be underestimated, they are an important and respected source of guidance and advice for many young people.

"Our Know the Score parent's guide to talking about drugs aims to arm parents with facts and advice on how best to speak frankly and openly, in a family setting, with their children about drug issues.