The Mycenaean

While it’s important for teens to celebrate and have fun, it’s also essential that students stay safe and make good decisions at prom. 

Here are some ways for parents to help their children stay safe and avoid unhealthy, damaging choices. 

Remind your child that there are no expectations to drink or use drugs at prom. It’s important to remember that students can still have a great time without alcohol or drugs. Have your child talk to their friends about the plans for the night and make sure you’re all on the same page about avoiding substances.

Make sure you and your student have a plan for the night. Explain to your child, you want them to be safe and as a parent it is your job to protect them. Bring up the idea of a designated driver, planning how your student is getting to and from the prom and having a plan for what you’re going to do if someone offers you drugs or alcohol. 

It’s also important to know who your child can call if they find themselves in a situation you’re uncomfortable with.

“Having a designated driver that you know is not going to become intoxicated, is important in keeping the whole group safe,” Susan Christensen, a mother of a Leesville student. 

Being aware of surroundings is extremely important. Make sure you’re with people you trust and that you know where you’re going and who you’re with. Parents can keep their child’s location to ensure their safety, 

“I will be attending Prom with my friends.We will all drive there and home together,” Luke Sorrell, a junior. 

After parties are where most hazardous situations are going to occur. Students should be choosing which parties to attend, if they should attend any at all. The easiest way to avoid these environments is to simply not go. 

Teenagers are going to take the advice they agree with. Prepare your child with reality and ultimately let them make their own choices. You are there to offer your experience and protection, but ultimately they have to make their own decisions.

Finally, don’t be afraid to speak up. If you see someone at the prom using drugs or alcohol, don’t be afraid to speak up, intervene. It’s important to remind your friends that using drugs and alcohol can have serious consequences and it’s not worth the risk.

Prom is a special night that many students look forward to. Make sure you stay safe and avoid drugs and alcohol to ensure it’s a night to remember for all the right reasons.