Spring is the time of year when several events occur related to the end of the school year, e.g., graduation and prom. These celebrations are associated with a higher chance to indulge in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Indulging in drinking alcohol often leads individuals to lose sight of safety. Thus, people of all ages make risky decisions to drink and drive which put themselves and others at risk.

Alcohol is one of the most common drugs in our society and used more commonly by young people than any other drug. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Approximately one in four children younger than 18 years old in the United States are exposed to alcohol.” Further, current alcohol use among high school students is greater than 40 percent with 26 percent of students reporting episodic heavy or binge drinking.

Occasions such as Prom and Graduation are associated with a higher temptation for youth to participate in drinking activities. As a result, the risks for injury on these nights are significantly increased related to alcohol use, not to mention the legal issues faced for drinking underage and driving under the influence.

During Prom season the numbers of traffic deaths are higher for teens than any other time of the year according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The US Surgeon General estimates 5000 youth under 21 lose their lives each year due to alcohol-related crashes. Graduated license programs are in place in many states throughout the country for the protection of youth behind the wheel. However, these programs alone are not enough. Parental guidance is of primary importance for ensuring the safety of youth, even when it is not appreciated by the youth themselves.

At Henry Ford Hospital, we want to offer you and your youth safety tips for the Prom and Graduation season. We hope all youth make Prom and Graduation the most memorable times in their lives by keeping themselves and their friends safe. May is Trauma Awareness Month and being aware is the first step to staying SAFE!

Tips for Throwing an After-Prom or Graduation Party

For Youth:

-Share all of your plans for the evening with your parents, including after-Prom parties (give them locations and phone numbers).

-Stay with a group of friends throughout the night. Watch out for each other.

-Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before leaving home for the night.

-If you don’t have a cell phone, take extra money with you in case you need to call for a cab or if an emergency arises.

-Don’t leave possessions or any of your beverages/food unattended.

-Always wear your seatbelt.

-DON’T drink or use drugs and drive or get in a vehicle with someone else who has.

-Know the warning signs for alcohol or drug overdose and call 911 immediately is you see someone exhibiting them.

For Parents:

-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 – if it’s a limo know the alcohol policy.

-Take stock of your alcohol in your home prior to the beginning of the night.

-Talk to your son/daughter about the school’s prom rules and your prom rules and the consequences of violating them.

-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 and school officials.

-DO NOT rent hotel rooms for after-Prom parties unless you plan on chaperoning the party.

-Stay up until your prom-goer returns home for the night and let them know you will be waiting up for them.

Tips for Throwing and After-Prom or Graduation 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. Some parents feel that it is inevitable that teens will drink on prom night and believe that this is better done under adult supervision. It is illegal. If something happens to any teen and alcohol is involved you will be held responsible.

-Greet 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.

-Invite other parents to chaperone with you. If you have a large number of guests you will need more adults to help keep order at the party and to help keep you awake all night. Check your yard and number of guests frequently to avoid having guests who might leave and return without your knowing it.

-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. Unless the guest is invited they should not be welcome.

-Be prepared if your rules are broken. If an invited guest arrives to the party already drunk or if the guests become unruly you need to be prepared to call parents to come and pick them up.

-Communicate these rules with other parents ahead of time so they understand the consequence if their son/daughter becomes a problem.