University of Queensland parenting expert Professor Matt Sanders has contributed to a United Nations (UN) strategy which says positive family relationships may be the key to preventing teen drug abuse and delinquency.
The UN’s Guide to Implementing Family Skills Training Programs for Drug Abuse Prevention says parenting programs are four times more likely to prevent drug abuse in children and teenagers than drug education programs delivered in schools.
The UN says such family skills programs have been found to ultimately save governments US$10 for every dollar spent.
The report was compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), reviewing international parenting program research in consultation with world health, social policy and family psychology professionals and researchers.
Dr Sanders, who is founder of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program and Director of The University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre, and Dr Majella Murphy-Brennan, a research associate in the Centre, were advisers to the UNODC.
"It is the evidence-base of Triple P and the practical experience in tailoring programs to different needs that we were able to bring to the United Nations conference," Professor Sanders said.
"We know from our own research that parenting programs produce better results in preventing risky behaviour like substance abuse, than do programs that only give parents information about substance abuse."
UNODC says children are at greater risk of developing behaviour problems and mental disorders that lead to substance abuse in families where there is a lack of trust and warmth and where discipline is not appropriate.
It said research shows helping parents take better care of their children is effective in preventing drug use.
The UNODC report is designed as a guide for countries or authorities launching parenting programs.
The full report is available at www.unodc.org
Media: Lynnette Haas, Media Manager, Triple P International Pty Ltd, 07 3236 1212
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