Two television advertisements costing almost £300,000 have been produced to encourage parents to talk more to their children.

It is the latest publicity drive from the Health Education Board for Scotland (Hebs).

Although the adverts do not mention smoking, drinking, drugs or even healthy eating Hebs is convinced the message will help stop youngsters turning to an unhealthy lifestyle.

The adverts, transmitted for the first time this week, urge parents to see things from their children's point of view and spend more time with them.

Hebs stressed the campaign was not about telling parents how to bring up their children, but was about encouraging mental health and future happiness.

The campaign was launched at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh.

Hebs chairman David Campbell said it should spark a debate on "how much we value children in Scotland".

He said: "Scots parents are doing a great job but it is never easy and no-one gets its right all the time, but there is nothing more critical than bringing children up in a secure, happy environment."

Healthy happy children

The latest adverts follow a previous campaign to tackle heart disease, cancer and strokes and another to highlight the issues of smoking, drugs, alcohol and relationships for teenagers.

Mr Campbell said: "Today's campaign is concerned with an issue that is every bit as important as the huge health issues.

"Scotland's future, its social and economic well-being, depends on healthy, happy children growing up to become healthy, happy adults. Good mental health, like good physical health, begins at home."

One of the two new adverts ends with the words "put yourself in their shoes" and features a father agreeing to take his daughter out on her bike after remembering his own father's neglect.

The second advert shows a mother discussing relationships with her teenage son after chatting with a seven-year-old, and concludes: "Listen to them now and they will talk to you later."

The campaign, which will cost £450,000 in total, was based on research conducted last November and this February with 110 parents from across Scotland.

The adverts, which will go out after 2130BST and will run until October, mark the beginning of a long-term campaign by Hebs which will be developed after the impact of the adverts is known.

Deputy health minister Malcolm Chisholm said it would remind people "that there are few things as important in life as listening to your children, spending time with them and taking an active interest in their world".

Charity Children 1st, which operates Parent Line Scotland, said the adverts were "excellent" and described the campaign as "preventative".