I agree it is super important to have open conversations about these types topics with our kids early on. Don't let their peers be the teachers. The better educated they are, the better decisions they will make. And being a friend instead of a dictator has helped me communicate more openly with my kids. 

DesertDave

alter_native

Parent's Corner - What makes a great father?

Besides what's already mentioned, one of the most difficult but consequential things parents must do is moderate their children's friend groups, especially in adolescence. It's a very quick path to drug and alcohol addiction, and it only takes one friend in the group to set everyone up for horrific outcomes. If you can raise a child to be strong and independent, that can go a long way, but peer pressure is basically the whole driving force of adolescence.

Whatever you do, don't repress. EDUCATE your kids about drugs and sex. EARLY. They should know EVERYTHING there is to know BEFORE their friends start making shit up or pressuring them to try something. 