The Carey Community Forum invite you to a discussion on:

Teens, parties, alcohol and drugs: What do parents need to know?

During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and it is important to provide them with opportunities to socialise with their peers whenever possible. Using the most current data available this presentation will examine the use of alcohol and other drugs by school-based young people. Simple strategies will be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour. In addition, up-to-date information will be provided on vaping, particularly in relation to young people. It aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.

Date: Monday 9th February 2026

Time: 7pm

Location: The Ian Woolf Auditorium, Carey Kew Campus

Please note this is an in-person event and will not be recorded. This presentation is for Parents, Senior School students will attend separate sessions with Paul.

Presenters Bio:

Paul Dillon - Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA)

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations to provide updates on current drug trends, as well as advice on alcohol and other drug issues. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure they have access to quality information and best practice drug education.

He has worked extensively with a range of sporting organisations including the Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players Association and the Football Federation of Australia to provide training workshops to elite athletes on a range of alcohol and other drug issues. In 2009 his best-selling book ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs‘ was published and this has since been released internationally, being translated into a number of languages. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and The Project discussing topical issues. Paul had a regular spot on a national radio program on Triple J for seven years where he dealt with current youth drug issues. He also writes a blog for parents and caregivers, as well as another for young people, and these have recently been released in a podcast format.