Protecting young people without infringing on their freedom

Why choose harm reduction? 

It is also about providing the information, tools, and services necessary to protect them. One of the most well-known examples of harm reduction is "Operation Red Nose" which does not ask people not to consume alcohol during the holiday season, but allows them to go home safely.      

This approach is used in different spheres of health and social services and is very often used in connection with sex education and drug and alcohol use.  

Risk reduction and sexuality 

There are various initiatives based on harm reduction that allow young people to be sexually active in a healthy and safe way, including: 

• Sexuality education programmes 
• Access to contraception 
• Distribution of protective equipment such as condoms and sex dams
• Promotion of STBBI (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection) testing  

Risk reduction and consumption 

As with sexuality, many programs and services are offered within a substance use harm reduction framework. These do not promote drug use or lead people to develop addictions. Rather, they allow people to stay alive and get help.  These include: 

• Distribution of sterile consumption equipment 
• Education on lower-risk practices  
• Substance analysis programs 
• Raising awareness of the risks of overdose 
• Access to naloxone (a fast-acting drug to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose) 

Here are some suggestions for simple messages that can help young people feel less isolated if they use alcohol or drugs and thus reduce the risks: 

• “Call if you've had too much to drink and stay off the roads.” 
• “Don't forget to eat, drink and sleep to avoid side-effects.” 
• “Never consume alone to avoid a fatal overdose.” 
• “Consume with people you trust and look out for each other.” 
• “Never hesitate to talk about it and ask for help.” 

Our advice with your teenagers 

When they were little, you didn't stop them from cycling, but you provided them with a helmet and taught them how to follow the rules of the road. Just do the same thing with sexuality and consumption. These practices are normal and a part of many teenagers' lives, but they come with risks. Banning or demonizing them can be associated with shame and prevent your youth from seeking help.  

Try to have a non-judgmental approach that will help them be more honest with you. It is best not to tell them not to have sex or not to use drugs, but to inform them about the risks and how to protect themselves. You can also refer them to information, tools, or specialized youth organizations.