Say Goodbye to High School, Not Common Sense
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Attending a high school prom is a rite of passage for many young adults. They bid farewell to their days of elementary academia and prepare for life in the career world or in higher education.
For most, prom is time to celebrate and a way to hallmark past accomplishments during high school. Some seniors have other plans however -- ones that often involve drugs, alcohol and sex.
According to online polls conducted by Sparklit.com, 46 percent of girls and 67 percent of guys say they will likely have sex on prom night. In addition, 63 percent of respondents said they attend prom to drink, while 22 percent of those people plan on "getting smashed." The combination of drinking and sexual activity can lead to dangerous situations. Roughly half of all automobile accidents that occur on prom night are attributed to drunk driving. Plus, alcohol impairs your judgment, so the decision for students to lose their virginity or have fun can turn from an experience rooted in curiosity to one that can result in date rape, contraction of a sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
A key way to foil the plans of prom attendants is for parents, teachers and caregivers to keep a watchful eye. Here are some tips to follow:
* Don't rent a hotel room for your child or encourage visiting one post-prom. There's only one reason a teenager is staying in a hotel after the prom ... to have sex.
* Know of the teen "hot spots" that are a breeding ground for trouble. These can include bars, clubs or makeout points in the areas. If you overhear your teen talking about visiting one of these places before or after prom, it should raise red flags.
* Ask your child about his or her plans for the evening. Know who will be accompanying him or her to the prom and the means for transportation.
* If a limousine is being rented, make sure their policy includes an alcohol-free bar. Speak with the limo company directly to make sure.
* Communicate with other parents and school officials so all guardians are on the same page and can keep a lookout for dangerous behavior.
* Take stock of your home alcohol supply, and make sure none goes "missing" in the days before the prom.
* Stay up for your prom-goer's return home. You'll be able to assess if he or she has been drinking, and take the necessary disciplinary actions. Also, if you're awake, it's much easier to get into the car and pick up your child if he or she needs a ride home.