Girls at Naples prom
There are many rites of passage for high school upperclassmen but probably none as big as prom or graduation. The months of April and May are considered “prom season,” a time where students get dressed up and dance the night away. It can also be a dangerous time of year. I want to make sure our teens in Collier County stay safe and make this a night to remember for all the right reasons.
Two of the major concerns I often hear about during this time of year are underage drinking and drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for the past several years during prom weekend, approximately 300 teens have died in alcohol-related car accidents. Also according to the NHTSA, one in three children under age 21 who died in alcohol-related accidents died during prom and graduation season.
Here are a few ways parents can help their teens stay safe during prom:
- Make sure your child knows the dangers of drinking and driving. Have that conversation with them leading up to prom night.
- Know the details of prom from your child’s school.
- Ask what your child’s plans are throughout the night and address transportation plans.
- Don’t provide alcohol to teens at a party. An American Medical Association study reported that 10% of parents believed it was appropriate and safe for underage teens to attend both prom and graduation parties where alcohol is served, if a parent is present. Know where your child will be before and after prom and whether alcohol will be served.
- Give your son or daughter the option to call you if they are ever in a situation where they’re too drunk to drive or if they are with an intoxicated driver.
There are also tips you can share with your child:
- Teens should plan for safe transportation before prom night.
- Make sure they never leave their drinks unattended.
- Never drink and drive, and if a friend has been drinking, make sure they don’t drive.
- Encourage them to watch out for one another during and after the dance
Most importantly, make sure they enjoy themselves. This is a big night for both you and your child and will be one they’ll never forget.