Put Safety First for Prom

Your concerns about the prom may center around finding a date and what to wear. But you should be thinking about safety above all else, say experts. That's because proms are far different from what they used to be, with sex, drugs, alcohol, and heavy partying considered part of the package.

Many hope to have happy memories of dancing and having fun with friends permanently linked to prom. Unfortunately for many others the memories are not nearly as pleasant. A number of high school seniors find that automobile accidents, injuries and death are their most prominent prom memories.

Alcohol and drug use during prom season elevates the number of drinking and drug-related accidents. It also increases the propensity for sexual assault and violent behavior. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 40 percent of all 16- to 20-year-old deaths result from motor vehicle crashes, almost half of which are alcohol related. And about 90 percent of rapes and murders on school campuses can be linked to alcohol consumption.

With this in mind, keep alcohol and drug use out of the mix during prom, especially if you are underage. Many states employ a zero-tolerance policy regarding driving under the influence, and making the choice to drink and drive on prom night -- or any other night -- can irreparably change your life.

Some teens believe that because they are being chauffeured in a limousine that it is okay to drink. However, many promgoers continue on to after parties and being intoxicated can put them at risk. Besides, drinking could land you in the bathroom hugging the toilet all night instead of having an evening to remember with your closest friends. So why risk it?

Some students view their prom as a rite of passage and a night to throw inhibition to the wind. It is a common occurrence among seniors to plan a sexual encounter for prom night, or even consider losing their virginity. Renting a hotel room for post-prom seems as natural as renting a tuxedo or buying a prom dress.

Many teens get lured into the false notion that proms equal magic and romance and that sex would be the natural next step. However, despite how much you build up the prom in your head, it often fails to live up to the fantasy. Adding a hasty sexual encounter caused by pressure to perform on prom night to the mix can tarnish memories even further.

According to Janice Shaw Crouse, Ph.D., "There is no way alcohol-induced sex in prom-night circumstances can be 'sweet and meaningful.'" Prom night is not the night to put sex ahead of all else. If you are considering becoming intimate with a romantic partner, talk about it more and plan a time other than prom if it is something you really feel is right. And certainly take safer-sex precautions when doing so.

There's definitely an anticipatory culture to be reckless surrounding prom night caused by movies, media and peer pressure. However, by being your own person and setting limits before prom, you can have a safe and entertaining night.