Prom season is here, and as a parent, this may be an emotional and stressful time for you and your family.
Prom typically marks the coming of age, and for many young adults, this may be the last chance they’ll get to have fun with their friends before they enter college or the workforce after graduation.
Engaging in underage drinking and other illicit activities are common during prom night, therefore it’s up to you as a parent to understand the risks, and use these prom safety tips to help keep your teen safe during their prom.
Have a conversation about dating violence.
Unfortunately, dating violence is a reality for a lot of people especially during prom season, and teens are the most susceptible, because they may be afraid to tell someone or simply believe it’s normal behavior in a relationship.
Dating violence can be verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual, and can even happen online. It can be scary as a parent to think your child is at that age where they are starting to have romantic relationships with their peers, but it’s even scarier to think that they could be emotionally or physically abused by someone.
As a parent, you should understand the signs of dating violence, and teach your teen the signs, so they can speak up to a trusted adult about themselves or another peer who may be in a potentially violent or abusive situation.
Understand drug and alcohol use is common during prom season.
While prom night is a wonderful time for teens to have fun in a chaperoned environment, their special day can spiral out of control at an after prom party. Teens want to have fun with their friends all night long, but that fun often includes binge drinking and drug use.
Poor decisions due to alcohol or drug use often include driving under the influence, illicit activities. The following prom safety tips are ways you can keep your teen safe:
- Make sure you’re fully aware of where your teen is going at all times before and after prom. Have them call or text you when they’re arriving at, and leaving a location. You can also monitor their location through an app called Teen Safe. While it may seem invasive, you’ll have ease of mind knowing where they are in the event they’re out very late.
- Set a curfew and make sure they understand the consequences. If your teen cannot meet the responsibility of getting home on time, take away phone, car, or weekend privileges. Prom safety is no joke, and as a parent you don’t want to be worried sick.
- Do not let them ride home with strangers and friends. Drunk driving accounts for one-third of teen fatalities, and often peaks during prom season. Make sure you have a ride set up to get them afterwards.
- Remind your teen that if they feel unsafe or pressured to do something, they don’t have to stay. Make sure they have a way to contact you or another trusted adult in the event they find themselves in a dangerous situation.
Additionally, if your teen does make the poor decision to drink or use drugs, and they need help, get them immediately. It’s normal to be upset, and punishment for their behavior is justified. However, it can be very difficult for them to make it home safely when they’re under the influence. Their safety should be your number one priority, so make sure to have a plan with your teen before they head out.
Prom is a special time for every teenager, and we hope you use these prom safety tips to protect them on their big night. Another milestone you’ll have to face as a parent is giving your teenager the privilege of driving and owning a car, and when you’re ready our insurance agency can provide your teen with the insurance they need. Simply click the button below for a free quote on Teen Driver Insurance.
