Connect Quest for Parents and Caregivers
Connect Quest activities are made to help youth
better understand themselves.
They also help youth connect with others
and build skills and confidence.
With these foundations, they’re better equipped to make
thoughtful choices about substance use and device use.
As parents and caregivers, you support your child’s understanding of topics like substance use and device use. It can be helpful to start by reflecting on your own feelings about substances and devices, as well as your own relationship with them.
Learning more about how substances and devices can affect our bodies, minds, and daily lives can help prepare you for discussions with your child. When you show interest and talk openly, your child is more likely to build the skills they need to make safe, informed choices.
Substance use health is a newer term. It means “the full range of positive and negative impacts associated with the use of substances” (CAPSA, 2022). CAPSA’s Substance Use Health Spectrum shows a person’s relationship with substances on a scale, from “no use” to “substance use disorder.” Everyone fits somewhere on this spectrum, and there is always a way for each of us to move toward better health.
Many parents and caregivers don’t feel confident talking about substance use with their child. They may fear that bringing it up might encourage their child to try it or may think they need to use scare tactics to prevent use. In reality, open and honest conversations build trust and safety. The goal is to have thoughtful, caring conversations.
Substance use is varied and serves different purposes. Understanding that some substance use has benefits (can bring relief from pain, can be used ceremonially), but also carries real risks (harms to physical and mental health, unsafe choices), can help you to speak in a non-judgmental, supportive way.
Substances include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis and other drugs.
Devices include phones, games, social media, and other online interests.
Balanced device use is based on being thoughtful. It means using devices in a way that is manageable, meaningful, and mindful.
This is called the 3Ms. mediasmarts.ca
- Manageable: You feel in control of your device use. It doesn’t interfere with other important activities or responsibilities.
You can balance your device use with other things you need, enjoy, or value.
- Meaningful: The time you spend on your device feels worthwhile to you.
You learn new things, create content, or connect with others in a meaningful way. - Mindful: You make an intentional choice to use your device.
You stay present and focused on your activities. You aren’t distracted or disconnected.
The 3Ms are for everyone!
Connecting with your child
The Connect Quest activities can support you in having open conversations with your child.
You can choose activities about general health, substance use health and balanced device use.
Read more on how to connect and support your child.
