Most teens see graduation as the end of adolescence and the beginning of their next phase of life: a rite of passage into adulthood. It is a time for celebration, but both parents and graduates should consider ways to keep the celebration safe.
Crime Stoppers offers tips for students and parents:
Students
- Share your graduation and post-graduation party plans with your parents.
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.
- Wear a seat belt – even in the back seat.
- Stay with a group of friends and watch out for one another.
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Don’t get in a vehicle with a driver that is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Report any illegal drug or alcohol use as well as unsafe behaviors such as threats, assaults and weapons.
Parents
- Discuss your child’s plans for graduation and post-graduation celebrations.
- Know who your child will be with and talk to their parents to coordinate plans.
- Make sure your phone and your child’s cell phones are fully charged.
- Provide your child with alternate adults to call in case they feel unsafe – no questions asked.
- Wait up for your child to make sure they return safely.
- Talk about drugs and alcohol with your child and set expectations.
- Report any illegal drug or alcohol use as well as unsafe behaviors such as threats, assaults and weapons.
Party Hosts
Graduation parties require special planning because of the unusual mix of ages and relationships. Some families find a brunch works well, as alcohol would not be expected at this time of day. Many parents have decided to serve no alcohol at parties given for teenagers even if adults attend them. Consider these tips when hosting a graduation party:
- An adult should be present throughout the party.
- Alcohol or other drugs should NOT be served or available.
- Anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return – this will discourage people from leaving with the intent to drink or use drugs and then return to the party.
- Encourage small parties, limiting attendance to 10-15 teens per adult present. Go over party plans and house rules with your teen prior to the party so all expectations are understood.
- Plan to have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks available.
Congratulations to graduates – and their parents – on reaching this milestone.