Topic 4 Some simple advices

Start with the open-ended questions because you will get more complete information and it will lead you to the real facts
- What seems to be the problem?
- Can you describe to me your attitudes towards alcohol use/ tobacco use/ problematic internet use?
- Which solutions have you tried?
If faced with resistance, try to avoid giving the advice.
Instead, try to make them change their attitude through asking on their opinion on the possible harms of smoking/ alcohol use/misuse and/ or problematic internet use and possible benefits of prevention of these behaviours/ addictions
Explain to the parents that they should talk to their children in their own language, the language they understand
Try to understand the motives and difficulties they face
Be supportive
Show compassion
Help them develop the plan that is culturally acceptable, and acceptable for their family environment, their social status, cultural specificities, their health status and their regular daily obligations
Make them aware that you can work as a team
Evoke their internal motivation for action and work on their motives for the work on addiction prevention
Talk about their children’s habits and school, their social circles and the challenges they may face
Talk about the importance of them understanding their children and establishing trust and open relationship
Be open-minded

Do not ask `yes` or `no` questions
Questions with “would,” “should,” “is,” “are,” and “do you think” all lead to `yes` or` no`.
Questions with “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “how,” or “why” lead to people giving some thought to their answers

Send a letter to parents/guardians
- Explains noticed problem/problems
- Explains that school provides a healthy environment and aspires to be the Tobacco and alcohol -Free School
- Explains school’s policy change and provides scientific reasons and social reasons for the change
- Asks for support in enforcement
- Asks how the teacher can help parents/guardians to solve the problem
Discuss the importance of the smoking prevention/ prevention of alcohol misuse/ abuse/ problematic internet use during the parent-teachers conferences
If you send school newsletters, include the article on smoking prevention and smoking cessation/ alcohol misuse prevention and prevention of problematic internet use
React promptly, but not too aggressively