The months from April to June add extra danger to a typical teenager’s life. Older teens have prom and graduation festivities to attend, placing them on the roads after dark and after some may have consumed alcohol and illegal drugs.
How can parents keep their kids safer during these heady times when it is easy to throw caution to the wind and give in to peer pressure? Below is some important prom night safety information parents may need.
Be aware of the plans your teens have
By networking with other parents of teens attending the prom and after-parties, parents can weave another safety net into the celebrations. Concerned parents can arrange to host a supervised after-party and make their teens a hearty breakfast to foil any plans for underage drinking.
Rent a limo to reduce the possibility of a wreck
While it might be an extravagance to rent a limousine for a single prom couple, with end-of-the-school-year specials, it could be surprisingly affordable for four couples (or eight riders). Drivers also do not permit underage drinking by teens — another plus.
Share a code word with your teen
Your teen should have a simple code word they can work into a basic conversation that alerts parents that something is off and the teen feels unsafe. Whether they’re being urged to drink, use drugs or have sex, parents can immediately arrange safe passage home for their teen or pick them up themselves.
Protect your teenager after a prom night accident
Despite the best efforts of teens and their parents, accidents occur on prom night and other times. Parents need to focus primarily on making certain that their teens get immediate medical care, even for minor injuries.
If your teen is injured in a prom-related accident due to another party’s negligence, you may need to help your teen navigate the legal issues that follow.