Keeping Your Teen Safe: Parties

When it comes to raising teenagers, parents can go through a difficult time in worrying about where they are and what they are doing. The majority of teens will go to parties, feeling like they are adults and able to handle any situation that may occur. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Due to the teen’s inexperience, they could find themselves in situations that may put them in danger. A parent’s job is to protect their child from harm and this may include the dangers your child may face when going to a party.

The first thing a parent should do when their teen asks to go to a party is to ask questions. Some of the questions a parent should ask their teen are: Will there be any adult supervision and if so, who will it be? How many teens are attending and will there be any older teens or college students at the party? Are there any activities planned and if so, what? What time does the party start and end? If there are drugs or alcohol at the party, what does the adult supervisor plan to do about it? Will the teens at the party be allowed to come and go from the party as they please? What are rules of the party? A parent should get as much information from their teen as possible and verify this information with the responsible adult.

Unfortunately, there are many parties for teens that have no adult supervision. Drugs, alcohol, and sex are present at almost every party without supervision by an adult. It is a parent’s responsibility to make sure their teen is safe and if a teen is insisting upon going to a party the parent is unsure, the parent should say no until more information about it is revealed.

If, after talking to the parents of the teen who is holding the party, you find the party seems to be on the up-and-up, before you allow your teen to go, talk with them about what you expect from them. Let them know there are consequences to their behavior, however, if for any reason at all, drugs or alcohol are to be involved, they need to call you immediately for a ride home.  Teenage parties today are a lot different than the ones the parents used to attend. Not only do they have the normal things to worry about, they also have the worry of someone slipping something into their drink. Again, make sure your teen is aware of his or her surroundings and comfortable they can count on you in any crisis. Making sure your teen is safe is the top priority.