Keeping Teens Safe During Prom and Graduation

Spring is a much anticipated time of year for all of us here in Maine, but it is especially exciting for our high school seniors whose spring is filled with milestones and celebrations.

Unfortunately, many of these traditions have become viewed as rites of passage involving alcohol. But car accidents, sexual mistakes or misjudgments, injuries and assaults that can result from underage drinking are not how we want to mark our child’s final days of high school.

We all want these celebrations to be joyful and memorable. Below are some tips to help you keep your teen’s prom or graduation celebration a healthy and safe one.

Tips for graduation and prom night:

• Know who is driving, and encourage seat belt use.
• If you’re hiring a limousine, be clear with the company and driver that no alcohol be allowed. Have a parent be the first in the limo to check out what has been stocked.
• Discuss your child’s plans for the entire evening. Be available if your child needs advice or assistance that night.
• Discuss the possibility that alcohol may be present and how your child will handle the situation.
• Host an alcohol-free pre-prom and/or post-prom party.
• Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
• Stay up for prom-goer’s return.

If your teen is giving a party:

• Establish basic ground rules.
• Create a guest list – and stick to it.
• Stay home during the party and make your presence known.
• Don’t allow guests to come and go.
• Keep track of your alcohol.
• Ask people to leave if they bring alcohol or other drugs.
• Know the consequences – you are legally responsible for anything that happens to a minor who uses alcohol or other drugs in your home.
• Plan the party – choose a theme, activities, refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Tell the police and your neighbors you are having a party.

If your teen is attending a party:

• Call the host for details.
• Discuss how your teen is getting to and from the party. Talk about situations when they should call for a ride home.
• Set a curfew; be awake when your child gets home.
• If your child is spending the night with a friend, verify the plans.

Why be concerned about underage drinking?

The good news is that most teens do not drink alcohol, but it does occur more often and more heavily than many parents think. As teens grow older, the chances that they may encounter an opportunity to drink increases. A recent survey of Maine teens reported:*

45% of high school seniors had a drink of alcohol in the past 30 days

26% of high school seniors had more than five drinks in a row in the last two weeks

60% of high school seniors did not believe they would be caught by their parents if they were to drink without their permission

Some believe that drinking is a harmless rite of passage, but alcohol can cause serious harm to teens. In addition to drinking and driving dangers, drinking also puts minors at increased risk of alcohol dependence, increased chances of injury or death due to fights, burns, drowning or falls and can interfere with brain development.

Talk to your teen about the risks of alcohol and listen to their concerns. Help them understand the risks and discuss strategies to keep them safe. Kids who learn from their parents about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking are less likely to use and abuse alcohol.

* 2008 Maine Youth Drug and Alcohol Use Survey