Prom Safety Issues: Is Your Teenager Aware?

Prom safety may not be the first thing on a teenager's mind when it comes to the prom. Prom night is exciting with all the music, friends, and dancing. Still it's important for them to keep safety rules in mind as they head for the prom. Prom safety tips take a variety of things into consideration.

Before a teenager is allowed to go to the prom, parents should discuss safety issues. Sometimes the very fact that parents have done this increases safety at prom and other events. We all know that teenagers are notorious for not listening. Still, it's best for parents to make a point of discussing prom safety.

Who are the chaperons for the prom? Will they have teenagers safety in mind or are they just figureheads? If parents can volunteer as chaperons this is a great way to keep in touch with your teenager's activities and be sure safety rules are observed. Try to avoid directly confronting your own teenager about safety violations. Instead discreetly make another chaperon aware of the behavior and let them take care of it. Having a stranger enforce the safety rules is less embarrassing.

Clothing choice can be a safety issue at the prom. Dresses that are too short or revealing can encourage lewd behavior. Don't let their clothing give any false impressions. Be sure teenage girls are modestly but elegantly dressed for their own safety. Long hems on a dress or slacks can be dangerous too. At the prom everyone is having a good time and not really watching where they are going. Be sure clothing for either sex isn't too long and easy to trip over.

We may not be happy about it but sex is a fact of life at many a prom. Talk to teenagers about safety in this area, even if it is uncomfortable. Let them know that you would prefer they not engage in sexual activity. Believe it or not, if this is discussed calmly, rationally, and factually, they may actually listen. Be sure they know about condoms and birth control for sexual safety at the prom and otherwise. This safety discussion should be had long before prom time arrives.

Another safety discussion that should have already occurred is the one about drinking and drugs. Your teenager should know they can call you for a ride from the prom even when inebriated with no questions asked. Talk to them about observing safety when riding with others to and from prom as well. Make it clear that drinking and drugs are not the only safety issues when driving. Things like a car full of noisy kids on the way to the prom can impair judgment and compromise safety.

Many times there are parties after the prom as well. Know what after prom parties your teenager will attend. Check to be sure these are chaperoned events. Are the parents of the teenager throwing the after prom party concerned about safety issues? Are they even going to be home? It may seem nosy to make these inquiries but your teenager will be alive because of it. So many parents lose their teenagers each year by not considering prom safety and discussing it thoroughly with their children. Prom safety is essential for all parents and teenagers.

Source :

personal experience