Parents Can Help Prevent Prom Night Drinking

Each year across the United States, hundreds of teens are killed or injured in alcohol-related accidents connected with their prom night celebrations. Communities, school officials and parents have stepped up their efforts in recent years to prevent these tragedies from happening.

One of the most effective prevention efforts is for parents to simply talk with their teens about the dangers of drinking on prom night. But that is not all that parents can do to help.

According to The Century Council, these tips can help parents make their child's prom night experience a safer one.

• Make sure your teen has a plan for the evening and that you know what that plan is.

• Work with the school to make sure food is served during the prom itself.

• Know all of the "hot spot" destinations, including online ones!

• Take an inventory of the alcohol in your home and secure it if needed.

• Know who is driving. If it's a rented limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.

• Discuss the school's prom rules with your teen and the consequences for violating them.

• Encourage seatbelt use.

• Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.

• Communicate with other parents and school officials.

• Stay up for prom-goer's return home and let them know you will be waiting.

The Century Council is an organization funded by alcohol distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.

^{Source:
The Century Council. "Prom Tips" Accessed April 2008.}