InnerAct Alliance: Common Sense Tips for Safe Teen Parties

Friday, April 19, 2024

Common Sense Tips for Safe Teen Parties

Parents, if you plan to host a prom, graduation, birthday, or end of school party for your teen, be sure to plan ways to help them celebrate safely and responsibly especially since they and many of their friends are underage.

Today's youth may find themselves under pressure to participate in unhealthy behaviors with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Statistics show that the median age at which children begin drinking is age 12 – sometimes even younger (NIDA, 2022). We know that young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4xs more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.

Informed Families offers a Safe Homes Smart Parties guide to assist parents in setting firm guidelines for acceptable behaviors during this celebratory time of year. The common sense tips will assist parents in helping guide their teens in ways to celebrate responsibly and ensure that drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes will not be permitted at parties held at their homes and discouraged at parties in the community.

*Plan in advance – check party plans with your teen and know who the guests will be. Set definite limits to help prevent an “open party” situation.

*Agree to rules ahead of time – no drugs including alcohol and tobacco – no leaving/returning to the party - no gate crashers – decide which rooms in your home are off limits.

*Know your responsibilities – the responsible adult at a teenager’s party must be visible and aware. It is illegal to serve/provide drugs including beer, wine, wine coolers, etc. to anyone under age 21. Criminal as well as monetary damages are at stake for those who furnish alcohol or drugs to a minor.

*Supervision is key to keeping a party safe - if guests arrive acting like they’re under the influence, notify their parents immediately. In addition, anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return. This discourages people from leaving with intent to drink/use drugs elsewhere before returning to the party.

*Welcome calls from other parents to discuss the party arrangements – notify neighbors beforehand that a party is planned and will be supervised. For a large party, notify the police to discuss an agreeable parking plan or consider hiring an off-duty police officer to assist with parking and enforcing rules about alcohol and drugs.

*Plan ahead – have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks and plan activities such as movies, dancing, sports, etc. to keep kids busy and having safe fun.

*Feedback – after the party, talk with your teen to share observations and frustrations.

Safe Homes Smart Parties Resources