Prom night is a memorable night for teens and parents alike. Talbot Partnership for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention is encouraging parents and teens to be sure that students have fun, but in a safe and alcohol free way.
Statistics show that traffic deaths among teens during typical prom season weekends (March 1 through May 31) are higher than any other time of the year. Alcohol is the number 1 drug problem among youth, killing more young people than all other illicit drugs combined. More than 6,000 young people die each year due to alcohol-related causes including traffic crashes.
Parents are reminded that underage drinking can lead to severe and tragic consequences including car crashes, injuries, rape, teen pregnancies, sexual assault, suicide, alcohol poisoning, alcohol dependency and death. It is illegal for any adult to host an underage drinking party or to purchase or supply alcohol for persons under 21 years or age, even with their parents permission.
Parents can make a difference in keeping their teens safe. Parents can protect themselves and their teens by following these guidelines:
• Encourage young driver safety
• Set a good example
• Lay down the ground rules – Teach your child that alcohol is not an option
• Listen to your children – research shows that one of the best ways to prevent alcohol use and abuse is communication between parent and child
• Teach your teens that actions have consequences
• Keep the lines of communication open
• Don’t be naïve – watch for signs of abuse. If you sense a problem, seek help.
• Refuse to supply alcohol to youth
• Be at home when your teen has a party
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol
• Encourage your teen to attend school sponsored after-prom activities
• Know how your child will get home
• Report underage drinking by calling Talbot Tipline at 410-820-4003
Finally, keep tabs on your teens. Encourage them to call you and send text messages to them throughout the night. Let’s ensure that Prom night is a memorable occasion for all the right reasons.