IT'S one of the taboos ­ talking to your parents about drugs. You may think it would be butt-clenchingly embarrassing, but it can also be incredibly useful. We asked Matt Coner, 16, from Dunbar and his mum, Eleanor, about how they deal with such issues.

Is talking about drugs awkward?

Matt: Not at all. I'm quite comfortable. I talk to my mum a lot anyway. Some of my mates' families just say "don't do drugs", and that's it, whereas others will say, "don't do it, here's why . . .", and have a conversation about it.

Eleanor: All I've said is that I hope he wouldn't do it. I trust him not to get involved with drugs. My eldest son has dabbled and I was completely horrified. I just hope that if they do try drugs they are aware of what the consequences are. But I trust my boys.

They are quite sensible.

How does the topic come up?

Matt: I would tell my mum stuff, like if something happened I would discuss it. If I had a problem, I would be quite comfortable going and speaking to my mum. But I wouldn't get info about drugs from her.

Between friends and social education at school you learn everything you need to know about drugs.

Eleanor: We would talk about drugs if something has happened in the town or if someone he knows has been taking drugs.

We talk about most things. The basic problem is, if you haven't had a relationship with them where you've always spoken to them, when they get to teenage age you're going to find it really hard.

Do your mum's opinions affect yours?

Matt: I definitely listen to her and respect her views. But a lot of people just throw their parents' views back at them because they say, don't do drugs. Everyone tells you drugs are bad. But if you're in that environment and your friends are doing it, there's always that pressure and the temptation. People know it's wrong but it's your choice.

Eleanor: When I was a teenager I didn't really come across drugs in my circle of friends. It wasn't an issue or a choice then.

Matt: It wouldn't have been as much of an issue then as it is now. Even in a small town like Dunbar the issue of drugs is always there, even on the street.

Eleanor: There are dangerous things out there, and you have to let your children know about them. And then it's their choice.

It's the same with crossing the road, the internet and with drinking. Life is about making choices. A big problem these days is we don't let children problem-solve. We protect them too much.

Why is it good to talk?

Matt: I would feel more confident about talking to my mum if something serious happened. Mum would be angry but wouldn't kill me. I would think that mum would be supportive as opposed to angry, which would be what you need.

Eleanor: For me, it's the same. I've always thought it is important to talk about things openly, up to a point that Matthew is comfortable with. I tend to overstep the mark more than he does. And I'm quite nosy. But we've been like this ever since he was little. We've always talked, so it's easier now.

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