Make prom, graduation safe and sober
For many parents, this is the time of year when children are planning proms and graduation parties. Prevention First wants to remind you to make this a safe and sober time for your children and communities.

Young people are bombarded with messages about alcohol every day. Unfortunately, many do not include the real facts. The reality is that underage drinking can lead to car crashes, drownings, date rape, unplanned pregnancies and school failure.

Themessages parents send to their children about alcohol are crucial. Many parents allow their teenage children to drink alcohol at home in an effort to teach them how to drink responsibly. They may have good intentions, but the results can be deadly. What they do is facilitate their child's comfort with alcohol and send them a dangerous mixed message.

Surveys show that parents have a tremendous impact and influence on their children's decisions about drinking. It is imperative that parents are aware of the risks posed to their children, most especially at this festive time of year.

Make a safety plan - talk to your teen about not drinking and not being a passenger in unsafe circumstances.Who will they call if they need a ride? Role play some scenarios to alleviate unnecessary risks.

Hiring a limo - make the arrangements yourself, and make it clear that the driver is to make no unauthorized stops. Ask whatmeasures the driver takes to prevent the limo from becoming a place for children to drink.

Renting hotel rooms - a parent whose credit card is used is liable for damages, which can be considerable if a party gets out of hand. Don't let your child attend a hotel party unless you know and trust the chaperones.

Throwing a post prom/graduation party - make it clear that you won't allow crashers. Get advance agreement on the party rules. Greet guests at the door. Check your yard periodically. Do not serve alcohol!

If the party is at someone else's house - call the host parent to find out the ground rules. Find out when the party will end and who will be chaperoning. If your child has more than one party invitation, it's safest to have him/her pick one for the evening.

Prevention First invites you to call (732) 663-1800, ext. 216, visit 1405 Route 35 north, Ocean Township, or www.preventionfirst. net for free information.
Mary Pat Angelini
Executive director & CEO
Prevention First
Ocean