It is important to realise that most young people do not use drugs such as ecstasy or heroin, according to a new publication from the Department of Education and Science. Parents, Children and Drug Use takes a measured look at the issue of drug use and suggests ways parents can exert a positive influence on their children.

Acknowledging the increase in the use of all drugs - including nicotine and alcohol - among young people, the booklet honestly explains to parents that there is no easy answer and no guarantees that children won't experiment with drugs. Setting good examples and discussing drugs in a calm way is recommended. There is also information on what to do if you think your child might be using drugs. The booklet is being made available to all primary schools and is obtainable through the Department of Education (tel: (01) 873 4700).

Parents who are interested in playing a more active role in their children's education and want a quick and easy "guide to how to" should check out a new video from the National Parents Council (Primary), Wicklow branch. Parents - Partners in Education, put together by the branch for a mere £700, follows a parent whose child is just starting school and wants to understand how she can participate in his school life.

In simple and engaging terms, the video shows parents what representatives on a parents' association get up to, from school level to national level, and the sort of input parents can have in determining education policy. The video would be particularly useful to parents' associations, schools giving introductory talks to parents of junior infants and individual parents themselves. It is available for £10 from Dermot De Barra (tel: (01) 286 5211/ 286 4000; fax: (01) 282 8480).