Would you tell the parents?

[Marianos]

If you thought that some teenagers were drinking alcohol/ taking drugs and you vaguely knew their parents - would you say anything or would you assume they knew?

[Violetcharlotte]

No, not if I hadn't witnessed it directly and was just hearsay. If I knew for a fact they were then maybe, depending on what/ how much and how well I knew the parents

[Chopstick17]

In my experience, other parents allow their DC to drink at 14/15. I only found out when they threw birthday parties and supplied alcohol. As it's my eldest child I wasn't ready for it!

[Mummydummy]

I have a very honest and open relationship with my DCs I think. A few years ago they asked me about this ie. - 'would you dob my friends in it to school or parents if I told you something about their involvement with drink, drugs, sex or alcohol?' I thought it was quite an important question that would affect how open and honest they would be with me in the future. I said no, unless it was a very close friend and I was concerned that they were at serious personal risk.

As it turns out DD (who is now 16) tells me alot about what her friends and her are up to - many of them do all of those things - and she often has ended up helping out her friends in difficult situations like being sick and nearly passing out from drink and drugs. As a consequence I know that she does drink sometimes but doesn't do drugs and hasn't slept with anyone. I am glad that our openness and trust means we can talk about all these things and maybe its part of the reason why she seems pretty sensible. I also have a very good relationship with her friends. I have never said anything to other parents and stick to what I told the DCs. Most of what I know of course, has not happened in front of me, so it would be hearsay anyway.

[Mycraneisfixed]

I'd keep out of it.

[MunchCrunch01]

Hmm if it's hearsay and a friend,
I'd mention what I'd heard, but agree, hearsay and parents I don't know, I'd mind my own business.

[yeOldeTrout]

I was a druggie teenager so I probably have a skewed idea what teens can handle. If I only vaguely knew the parents and I was worried for the kids, I might tell the police or school to keep an eye out.

[Owllady]

Some people are funny aren't they? :o
I'm obviously not very proud as I can't imagine behaving like that!

[MrsJayy]

I dont regret taking the kid home and im just glad i knew where she lived she was very drunk

[MrsJayy]

I wondered if mum was embaressed owllady and just wanted the girl in the house i never got the chance to explain about sitting herself but she was so rude about it. I saw her about at parents nights and whatnot she always said hello but never mentioned it again .

[Owllady]

Bloody hell mrsjay
Some people shouldn't have children.

I have never got angry with anyone who has come to my house about my children. What is the point in becoming angry? Surely children need to learn their are consequences to their actions?

[LetitiaCropleysCookbook]

Most parents of teenagers are constantly on the alert for signs that their offspring are drinking/doing drugs! I think it would be unusual for a parent to be entirely oblivious. Either way, I don't think telling them will go down well. Those that are worried about it anyway, will see your involvement as an implied criticism that they are not on the case. The minority who aren't bothered will see you as an interfering busybody, I'm afraid.

[catinbooots]

Are these friends of your DC? If so, you know your DC are probably doing the same right?
And no - definitely don't tell the parents as you are only working on hearsay!!!

[MrsJayy]

A few years back i took a drunk girl home i vaguely knew in Dds year she was sitting on the pavement pissed her friends had left her. The mother said oh i knew she was out she isnt due in till 10.30 (it was 8) and she shut the door in my face so no i wouldnt be telling parents their 15yr old was drinking or taking drugs.

[Willywolly]

I haven't witnessed it directly - just heresay plus things I've seen on social media

No way then.

[NerrSnerr]

If you haven't seen it with your own eyes I wouldn't.

[AdaLovelacesCat]

Do you know what if I went to every parent of those who are drinking and taking drugs, it would take me all day and my name would be mud.
Get real.

[Owllady]

I would like to know, so I'd say yes
My son is nearly 15 and I'm not particularly strict but I'm shocked how free range some of his friends are (like staying at home for a couple of weeks whilst mum and dad go away etc)

[steppemum]

hmm, ds is nearly 14. I would want to know, and I think I would tell his friend's parents.
(but some of them may be ok with it)

[Marianos]

I haven't witnessed it directly - just heresay plus things I've seen on social media but I'm also curious as a parent of teenagers myself about what other parents might/ might not say to me.

[ApocalypseSlough]

ie I would tell over anything for a 14 year old. But IME many parents are ok with drinking at that age

[Optimist3]

You think or you know for sure? How?

[ApocalypseSlough]

14 probably anything. Drink or drugs?

[Mybeardeddragonjustdied2016]

Alcohol prob not
Drugs def yes

[ApocalypseSlough]

Very much depends on the age. 16/17 and seen in the park buying beer, no. Evidence of illegal drugs, probably yes.
What's the age and potion?

[Marianos]

Younger teenagers - 14-15 y/o.