Primary school students are being offered ‘free samples’ of ice and lollies spiked with meth.

Children as young as six are being targeted by ice dealers who are setting up shop outside schools and offering children sample packs of the drug.

‘It’s out there and it’s out there by force,’ Andrea Simmons, a former addict and current founder of Australian Anti Ice Campaign, told Daily Mail Australia.

Children are being confused and tricked into taking strong drugs ‘like it’s no big deal’ and girls as young as six years old are being offered ‘lolly forms’ of the drug, Ms Simmons said.

Australia’s National Ice Taskforce indicated the number of children between 14 and 19 years of age who are dependent on ice has tripled over the space of five years.

‘There are over 400 unborn babies addicted to methamphetamine in Queensland,’ Ms Simmons said.

Talk to your kids!  

As a parent or guardian, you have a big impact on a teenager’s life and the decisions they make. Research has shown there are many ways in which parents can minimise the chances that an adolescent will use illegal drugs, or experience harms from their use.

Be a good role model
Your behaviour and attitude towards alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs have a big influence on your child’s behaviour, so it is important to set a good example. Avoid contradictions between what you tell them and what you do, and try to demonstrate ways to have fun and deal with problems that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.

Be involved in their lives
Be sure to regularly spend time with your child where you can give them your undivided attention; you could set up a routine of having meals together or helping them with their homework. Get involved and show an interest in their hobbies and activities. Have internet access in a central area in the house. If they go out, ask them about where they are going and who they are going with and make this discussion a regular part of your conversation. Knowing who your child is with and where they are, can help reduce risk.

Peer influence can affect your child’s behaviour, so it is natural to want to help your child choose the right friends and to get to know them. Invite them to your house, or talk to them if you pick your child up from school or after school activities. Get to know their parents as well, as they can provide a support network to look out for the safety of your children. If you have good reason to believe your child’s friends are involved in drugs, be prepared to support your child to find a new set of friends by engaging them in some new activities.

Establish & maintain good communication
Let your child know that you are always ready and willing to talk and listen. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions to show you value what they think. This will encourage them to be honest and not just say what they think you want to hear. When talking to them try not to lecture them, it is important to listen to their thoughts and concerns and offer help and support. Try and make yourself somehow available most of the time. For example, make sure your child can contact you easily if they are at a party.

If you need support or info you can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

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