Alcohol Awareness: Keeping Prom Night Safe
One of the reasons Alcohol Awareness Month is held in April is because it is the beginning of the prom and graduation season, a time when celebrations can turn dangerous for underage drinkers. Many communities conduct anti-drinking campaigns during the month aimed at curtailing alcohol use before, during and after the special events.
In 2005, during Prom and Graduation Season (April, May, June), 676 students under the age of 21 were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Consequently, prior to prom, many schools plan programs aimed at educating kids against the dangers of drinking. These programs feature special speakers, presentations and even displays of crashed vehicles to emphasize the danger.
Some groups utilize some form of a "sober contract," a promise that students sign agreeing to remain alcohol and drug free during the prom and graduation season.
At the event itself, many schools across the nation have begun using breathalyzers to test the blood alcohol content of prom-goers and turning away at the door those who have been drinking.
E-Card Campaign
Other communities have found that the key to a safe prom is to plan all-night, alcohol-free events after the event to provide an alternative to post-prom parties where alcohol is the main source of entertainment.
The Century Council is promoting a e-card website which highlights bad choices teens can make on prom night. The flash video card takes a humorous look a bad style, fashion and hair choices prom goers have made over the years and concludes with the serious message that drinking on prom night is a bad choice any time.
The e-card can be emailed to teens from the website. The site also offers a list of prom tips for parents aimed at keeping the event safe for everyone.
The Century Council is an organization funded by alcohol distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.
Prom Safety Tips from Casey Lewis:
Related Information: Photo: Clipart.com
Comments
The Century Council video is a fun and unique segue into a very serious and important topic. I cannot stress enough the importance of educating young people about the real consequences that accompany making the decision to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks.
I also agree that utilizing a ‘sober contract’ or ‘prom promise’ with teens can bridge the gap in communication often accompanying the topic of alcohol abuse. Another great resource for education on adolescent alcohol consumption is the THINK prom promise pledge campaign from Nationwide Insurance and MADD. There is information for parents and a program for students to pledge to remain alcohol-free during prom season and throughout the rest of the year.