Australian research shows that one in five 16 and 17-year-olds drink risky amounts of alcohol at least once a month and 36 per cent of young people aged 12 to 17, drink to get drunk every time they consume alcohol.

The figures, from the Australian School Students Alcohol and Drug Survey, ring alarm bells that children need to learn the dangers from a young age.

It's a topic that needs discussion so that children can make good decisions when they are in a situation without their parents.

Allowing plenty of time and getting the timing right are important factors for parents broaching the topic, advises Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Services clinical psychologist David St.Quentin.

Children will be more likely to talk when they know their parents will be supportive, so it's also important to let them know you care about them.

St.Quentin says it's vital for parents to skill themselves in warning their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

"Essentially, young people are going to be in situations when mum and dad aren't there - it's to try and help kids so they make these decisions on their own," he says.

"Even if they are choosing to drink, they are geared up to think how to do it safely."

Conversations need to focus on the "what do you thinks" rather than "don't do's" and it's important for parents to also do their own research. A lot of the time, the way a parent chooses to discuss the topic may start an argument - so be prepared and be patient.

Leaving reading material around the house also helps, St.Quentin says, adding that parents and their children could learn together to make the discussion more relaxed.

"If parents don't have much experience, it's hard to talk about it," he says.

Parents can also use reports about celebrities and their drug and alcohol battles. The recent death of Glee star Cory Monteith, who had a long history of substance abuse and addiction, is one example.

Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Services provide school programs - Creating Conversations for high school students and Talking Tactics Together for year 6 students.

St.Quentin says parents can contact the service for advice or refer a young person to come in and talk. The service can also help children cope with parents who are abusing alcohol and drugs.

New resources released by the Australian Drug Foundation, at theothertalk.org.au, are also aimed at getting parents to have "the other talk" with their children.

To contact Illawarra Drug and Alcohol Services, phone 1300 652 226.