After Prom Safety Tips

The High School Prom should preferably be a celebration that delivers life-long memories for teenagers. It usually is an evening of anticipation, excitement and one of the greatest celebrations of their life. Although some kids go home to sleep, many others attempt a traditional custom of continuing the party until early morning. A number of schools have made it a tradition to hold after-prom events which are sponsored by the PTSA and local businesses. These types of events create a safe controlled alternative instead of allowing students to head off on their own after the prom. The morning hours after the Prom can often be the most dangerous. Parents that will be hosting kids at their home during this time, need to bear in mind and relay to their kids that if you allow underage alcohol consumption or additional drug use on your property and one of the kids gets hurt, you could be held responsible. You could also be sued. Consider the following Prom Planning Ideas whenever communicating with your teenager regarding prom health and safety: You want to make the time to begin the conversation early on to allow for an ongoing discussion with your child. Remember to go over a detailed plan for the entire night.

As a parent, you should have the following information:

- What are their plans for transportation for the evening? What is an emergency backup plan for transportation if someone is not able to drive safely?
- Exactly where will your teen be they be before prom? Where will they plan to be for dinner?
- Who will they contact in an emergency? Be sure to determine backup contacts as well
- Where are they planning to go after the prom is over?
- If they are preparing to be at a friend’s residence in the course of the night, make sure you contact the friend's parents to verify as well as ensure that alcohol or other drugs will not be present.
- If your child plans to attend an after prom celebration at someone else’s residence, ask your child for a complete list of names of other students who will be invited to party.
- Does your child know the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and when it is necessary to call for emergency assistance?
- Arrange to meet your child’s prom date prior to the  event in order  to discuss plans for the evening.
- Establish an agreed upon curfew and check-in periods of when you will talk to your teen.
- Ensure that your teen’s cell phone is charged, turned on and with them at all times.
- Reinforce that you simply do NOT want your teen to drive in a vehicle with anybody under the influence.
- Remind your teen that their safety is the highest priority and that they can always contact you for help.