Don't Let Alcohol Ruin Your Prom Night

You’re going to remember your prom for the rest of your life. Prom is a time for celebration, but it is also a dangerous time for teens. Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among teens, and according to the National Highway and Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA) figures, approximately 33% of traffic deaths of 15- to 20-year-olds are alcohol-related. Alcohol is frequently linked with other high risk behaviors, such as physical and emotional violence, unsafe and unprotected sex, unintentional injuries, and alcohol overdose. Here are some helpful tips and advice to have a safe prom that will be remembered as a night of fun, laughter, and celebration. 


Prom Tips for Teens:

• Plan Ahead: Make sure you have a safe plan, and a safe ride home from prom night
  
• Discuss your plans with your friends: Remind each other about responsible-decision making and confronting peer pressure.
  
• Don't allow anyone in your car or limo that has alcohol or drugs: It is dangerous and everyone in the car is at risk of being arrested.
• Don't get into a car if the driver has been drinking. 
• If you go to an after-party fill your cup with water or another non-alcoholic beverage.
• Know where your plans will take you next: Remember to keep your parents informed if your plans change.
• Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
• Make sure you have with you the number of an an adult that you trust, in case of an emergency. 
• Call 911 in case of a medical emergency: You will not be in trouble if you call 911 for a friend in need of medical attention for alcohol-poisoning, overdose, or any reason. 

Prom Night Tips for Parents: 

• Discuss Rules for Prom: Your rules, the school rules, and consequences for breaking these rules.
  
• Know Your Teen's Plans: And tell them to update you if the itinerary changes, so you’re aware of their whereabouts.
• Know who you teen is attending the prom with: Obtain all phone numbers.
• Talk to your teen about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• Know Who is Driving: If your teen is riding in a limo, make sure the company’s policy does not allow alcohol in the vehicle.
• Discuss the Evening’s Curfew: Set acceptable after-curfew possibilities there might be (an alcohol- and drug-free post-prom party, inviting friends back home to spend the night under your supervision, etc.)
• Check In with Your Teen Via Text: They are more likely to reply, since it’s discreet. You can send messages like “Hope ur having a gr8 time!” or “U OK?” before and after the dance.
• Communicate with other parents about prom plans.
  
• Host an alcohol-free and substance-free post-prom party!

• Remind your child that you are there for them if they need a ride home.
  

• Be awake for your prom-goers’ return home.

Tips for Hosting Teenage Parties:

• Never provide alcohol to minors: Studies show that the major source of alcohol for youth is friends and families. Some parents feel that hosting a house party where alcohol is served to minors is safer because they can control it. Allowing these parties is illegal, even with other parents’ consent, and the host parents may be held responsible for consequences that result. 
  
• Set party rules with your teen in advance: Make sure you are both in agreement and clear on the rules.
• An adult should be home throughout the length of the party.
• Make a guest list and make it clear that 'party crashers' will not be welcome: If a guest has been drinking when they arrive at the party, call his/her parents to come pick them up.
• Personally bring snacks or non-alcoholic beverages over to your guests, circulate throughout the party and remain visible. 
  
• If the party is at someone else's house: Call the host parent in advance to find out the ground rules.

Have a  safe #RADProm!