Help Grads Say Goodbye to School Safely

From buying a prom dress to signing yearbooks and saying goodbye to friends and teachers, many events are synonymous with the final months of one's high school career. However, most seniors especially anticipate two school-end events -- graduation and prom. Indeed, they are milestones worthy of a celebration. But it's important that students don't toss away safety precautions along with their mortarboards. Parents should take extra care to prepare their children for the celebrations ahead, especially when it comes to alcohol and drugs.

The proof is in the numbers. According to the Century Council, a group that educates about the effects of alcohol, there were nearly 1,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in May and June 1999 -- the peak of graduation season -- among those under the age of 21.

Here are some tips to help keep your children safe during graduation season and beyond.

* Make sure your grad has a plan for the evening and that you know it. Set a curfew. If he or she doesn't already have a cell phone, now may be a good time to get one so that help is readily available in case of emergency. If the school sponsors pre- and post-prom or graduation parties, encourage your teen to attend them as it's likely no alcohol will be there.

* Monitor the alcohol in your home. You don't want to be the access point for your child's alcohol consumption.

* If your child is taking a limousine, make the arrangements yourself. Tell the driver not to make any stops other than those authorized by you. Find out how the driver will prevent the car from becoming a place where kids drink. For example, keep all bags in the trunk.

* Make sure you know who is driving. If your child is driving, make sure the car's engine, tires and brakes are in good condition and insist passengers wear seat belts. It's important that teens understand that they should never get into a car with someone who has been drinking or doing drugs, no matter who he or she is. Tell him to feel free to call home and ask for someone to pick him up at any time, no questions asked.

* Be aware of the local "hot spots." If you lose track of your child, you'll know of some places to look for him or her.

* Speak with the parents of your child's friends. If you're worried that alcohol may be at a party, discuss your fears with the host's parents. You can refuse to let your teen attend if the parents ignore your concerns.

* Discuss the consequences of drinking and drugs, including impaired judgment, unsafe sex, hangovers, fatigue and dangerous or illegal activities.

* Most importantly, make sure your teen understands that it's okay to say no to any activity that makes him or her feel uncomfortable.

With parties a plenty during this time, it may be impossible to watch out for teens every minute of every evening, but parents can take time to talk with their young graduate about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and help them make wise decisions when out with friends. For more information and tips, visit The Century Council online at www.centurycouncil.org.