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cannatinker
Draft: these answers come from research checked on 16 October 2026 and have not yet been reviewed by a solicitor. Each answer shows how it was checked. This is general information, not legal advice.

Parents and carers

5 questions

  1. 15I found weed in my child's room. Must I report it?
  2. 16Can I let my 17-year-old smoke at home so it's 'safer'?
  3. 17My son's been arrested. What do I do?
  4. 18How do I talk to my teen without pushing them away?
  5. 19Could our tenancy be at risk?

15.“I found weed in my child's room. Must I report it?”

There is no general duty to report. Taking it to destroy it or hand it to police can be covered by a legal defence. Focus on a calm conversation.

Law:
MDA s.5(4)
Help:
FRANK; Adfam; NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Where:
All of the UK
To be checked against the live source before final publication

16.“Can I let my 17-year-old smoke at home so it's 'safer'?”

Knowingly allowing cannabis to be smoked in your home is a separate offence (up to 14 years) and may raise safeguarding concerns.

Law:
MDA s.8(d)
Help:
FRANK; Adfam
Where:
All of the UK
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

17.“My son's been arrested. What do I do?”

Make sure he asks for the free duty solicitor. As appropriate adult, support him, don't answer for him, and don't push him to accept a caution before advice.

Law:
PACE Code C
Help:
Release; Youth Justice Service; Law Society Find a Solicitor
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

18.“How do I talk to my teen without pushing them away?”

Listen first, avoid labels, share accurate facts. If you suspect exploitation (unexplained money, new phones, going missing), contact the NSPCC or children's services.

Help:
FRANK; NSPCC; Adfam
Where:
All of the UK
To be checked against the live source before final publication

19.“Could our tenancy be at risk?”

Possibly. Landlords can seek possession for illegal use or convictions, and closure orders apply to premises linked to nuisance or disorder.

Law:
Housing Act 1988 Sch. 2 Grounds 7A and 14; ASBCPA 2014 Part 4 (amended by Crime and Policing Act 2026 s.3)
Help:
Shelter; Citizens Advice
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

General information, not legal advice. For your situation: a solicitor (free at the police station), Release or Citizens Advice.

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