Better to be “safe” than “sorry” this Graduation Season!
High school students across Long Island look forward to the Spring season. Many of them will be attending graduation ceremonies and parties. This may be an exciting time for teens but a terrifying time for parents who are concerned about their children’s safety. Around this time of year, many teens are involved in automobile accidents due to being distracted, texting or driving under the influence.
There are numerous ways parents can prepare themselves for this time of year and ensure their teen is arriving safely to graduation parties and home.
Here are some helpful tips to keeping your teen safe and putting your mind at ease:
- Make sure your son/daughter has a plan for the evening and that you know what it is.
- Know who is driving to and from parties.
- If you are holding a party for your child, take stock of your alcohol in your home prior to the beginning of the night.
- Always let your son/daughter know that you will be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe regardless of the circumstance.
- Communicate with other parents to know where your children will be and who will be supervising.
- Before hosting your party set clear rules in advance for the night of the party. Discuss the rules and consequences of breaking them with teens before the night begins and reinforce them. Rules should include: No drugs or alcohol and no leaving the party and then returning.
- Offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol.
- When greeting guests at the door watch for large bags that guests might use to smuggle in alcohol. Have guests put their belongings in a room close to where you will be staying so you can watch if they are going to their bags to get alcohol/drugs that may have gotten past you at the door.
- Check your yard/house and number of guests frequently to avoid having guests who might leave and return without your knowledge.
- Make it clear that you will not allow any uninvited guests to crash the party. Parties can get out of control if the number of guests continues to grow through the night.
- Follow these helpful tips and if your teen is driving on Graduation night make sure they are insured.
Have a safe Graduation!
