PROM SAFETY….
WHAT STUDENTS and PARENTS NEED TO KNOW!
Prom is an exciting time for teens. For parents however, it can be a time of worry for their child’s safety. Parents may have good reason to be concerned about their teens on prom night. Prom night always seems to include news reports of drunk-driving accidents and deaths, date rape, pregnancies or STD’s. Recent brain research tells us that the part of the brain that is responsible for planning ahead, considering consequences and managing impulses is not fully developed until a person reaches their mid-twenties, which may explain why some teens may display poor judgment and make dangerous choices. We cannot protect our children from the consequences of risk-taking, but we can encourage them to avoid risky behaviors by helping them to plan for staying safe, making good decisions and choosing healthy behaviors on prom night. Here are some suggestions of things that students and parents should discuss well in advance of prom night:
Expect a complete itinerary for the evening: It should include time and location(s) of event(s). No changes to the plans without your knowledge and approval.
Curfew: Set curfew together and agree to the consequences of non-compliance.
Create a prom parent network: Most teens will go to prom as part of a group. Meet with parents of your child’s group so that everyone has a shared understanding of the prom plans. You may want to discuss things such as: where pictures will be taken, what the transportation plans are, where after prom will be and what supervision is planned. Additionally, discuss access to alcohol and curfews.
After-prom plans: Know exactly what the after-prom plans/activities are and where it will be. At-home parties are a great idea. If it will be at someone’s house, talk to the parents to confirm that alcohol will not be either served or accessible. Also find out if it is an all-night sleepover party. Is it co-ed? Consider hosting an after party at your home and explain the social host law which persecutes home owners if alcohol is served to minors with or without their consent.
Renting hotel rooms for prom goers is a bad idea. A hotel room without adult supervision creates tremendous opportunity for risk taking behaviors.
Who will your teen be with? Meet your teen’s date and others in the group they will be with prior to prom. Let them know your expectations as well.
Transportation: You need to know who is driving and meet the driver. Discuss the risks and consequences to self and others for driving while intoxicated/under the influence or riding with an intoxicated driver. If a party bus/limo is rented, find-out the party bus/limo company’s alcohol policy. Car accidents are the #1 cause of adolescent deaths.
Staying in contact: Establish regular check-in times during the night for your child to contact you. Make sure cell phones are fully charged.
Avoiding drugs, alcohol and the pressure to have sex: Talk about your family’s values and expectations. Discuss situations where your teen may feel pressured to engage in risk-taking. Have them come up with ways to resist peer pressure by asking “what would you do if” questions. Remind that alcohol use leads to poor judgment and bad decisions.
An “escape” plan: This provides your teen a way out of a bad situation. This should include a phone number that will be answered all night and a code word that you and your child agree on to indicate that your teen needs to be picked up immediately.
Contact list: Your teen should provide you with names and phone numbers of friends and their parents who they will be spending the evening with.
Keep talking: In preparation for prom, continue conversations with your teen.
Let’s work together to help prepare our teens for a safe, fun and memorable prom.
