Tooled Up Education

A Quick Guide to Ketamine (and Relevant Tooled Up Resources)

In terms of usage among young people, ketamine comes just below nitrous oxide in survey data gathered from 15-18 year olds by drugs
education charity the DSM Foundation, with just under a third of respondents saying that they feel it is used by their peers. This quick guide, developed in conjunction with the DSM Foundation, covers the most important things that parents and carers need to know about ketamine, as well as signposting to further sources of information.

A Quick Guide to Festivals (and Relevant Tooled Up Resources)

A music festival is about so much more than the headline act. It’s an immersive event that feels a million miles away from everyday life – and for parents, a daunting prospect if their teenager announces it as their next big plan! This quick guide, developed in conjunction with drugs education charity the DSM Foundation, covers the most important things that parents and carers need to know about festivals, as well as signposting to further sources of information. Please note that legal information and some of the services referenced are applicable to the UK and rules for other countries may differ.

A Quick Guide to Nitrous Oxide (And Relevant Tooled Up Resources)

Nitrous oxide is the third most commonly used drug, according to NHS data, and laughing gas – as it is sometimes called – never seems far from the headlines. But the lighthearted nickname belies the harm this drug can cause. This quick guide, developed in conjunction with drugs education charity the DSM Foundation, covers the most important things that parents and carers need to know about nitrous oxide, as well as signposting to further sources of information.

A Quick Guide to Cannabis (and Relevant Tooled Up Resources)

Cannabis is the illegal drug that young people are most likely to experience, according to NHS data. Yet it poses many problems, from misconceptions about its effects and risks, to the potential for harms, both immediate and longer-term. This quick guide, developed in conjunction with drugs education charity the DSM Foundation, covers the most important things that parents and carers need to know about cannabis, as well as signposting to further sources of information.

A Quick Guide to Vaping (and Relevant Tooled Up Resources)

Teenage vaping should be a non-issue, given it has been illegal to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids to under 18s since 2015. Yet data from drugs education charity the DSM Foundation puts awareness of vaping among 15-18 year olds at a comparable level to alcohol, and this trend is mirrored in younger age groups according to research conducted by the NHS. This quick guide covers the most important things that parents and carers need to know about vaping, as well as signposting to further sources of information within Tooled Up and elsewhere.

Talking to Teens about Vaping

Vaping is not something that most young people choose to do, but it is a practice that is increasing in popularity among teens. This article gives you the lowdown on current facts and statistics, as well as some evidence-based tips on how best to approach this issue with your children.

Teen Party Planning and Problem Parties: A Lawyer’s Perspective

In this webinar, Dr Weston and experienced criminal defence lawyer, Harriett Mather, (herself a mum of three teens) discuss teen parties.
Post-pandemic, parties are understandably back in fashion, but it is essential that parents understand how to plan for them effectively and safely. Harriett understands all too well what can go wrong at parties and shares her top tips, so that teens and parents can enjoy festivities without fear of regret, harm or… liability!

Dr Weston Talks with Fiona Spargo-Mabbs: Advice for Parents about Teens and Drugs

In this podcast, Dr Weston talks with Fiona Spargo-Mabbs, founder of the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, a drug and alcohol education charity that aims to support young people to make safe choices about drugs and alcohol and reduce harm. Fiona and her husband Tim set up the charity in response to the death of their son Daniel, having taken ecstasy. Fiona gives factual information about drugs that are commonly used among teens, focuses on social media as a new and developing drugs marketplace and provides numerous actionable tips which focus on good communication with young people about this challenging issue. We also find out about Fiona’s books and website, which are packed full of useful, evidence-based resources.