Prom season is quickly approaching for the residents of Cortland County! As a parent, having open and honest conversations with your teenager about the risks during prom season is important. While prom is an exciting time for teens, it can also be a time when they may feel pressure to drink or engage in other risky behaviors. Even though 76% of 12th graders in Cortland County do not consume alcohol, it is still important to have a conversation with your teen.1 34% of Cortland teens overestimate their peer’s use of alcohol, which could have some negative implications on your teen’s decision to try alcohol on their prom night.1 By talking to your teen about the dangers of alcohol and setting boundaries, you can help keep them safe and ensure they have a memorable and enjoyable prom experience.
First and foremost, it’s important to establish clear boundaries with your teen before prom night. Make it clear that underage drinking is illegal and unacceptable. Talk to your teen about the dangers of drinking:
- Risks of Alcohol Poisoning: Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.1
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol consumption can impair a person’s judgment and decision-making abilities, which can lead to risky behaviors and poor decision-making around alcohol consumption itself.1
- Potential for Accidents and Injuries: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of accidents and injuries, such as falls, burns, and car crashes, which can have serious consequences for teens.1
It’s also important to listen to your teen and understand their perspective. While it may be tempting to lecture your teen about the dangers of alcohol, try to approach the conversation in a non-judgmental way. Ask your teen what their plans are for prom night, and encourage them to be honest with you about their intentions. By showing your teen that you trust and respect them, you may be more likely to establish a relationship built on mutual understanding and respect.
In addition to setting clear boundaries, it’s also important to have a plan in place for prom night. Talk to your teen about their transportation plans, and make sure they understand the importance of never getting in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Encourage your teen to call you or another trusted adult if they need help or feel unsafe, and ensure they have access to a charged cell phone and emergency numbers.
Help your teenager come up with a list of activities that they and their friends can do instead of drinking after prom. Some activities can include:2
- Have a post-prom sleepover with friends.
- Host a game night or a movie marathon at home.
- Plan a day trip to a nearby attraction or amusement park.
- Attend a late-night concert or comedy show.
- Host a DIY spa night with friends.
These alternative activities can provide teens with fun and memorable experiences while also avoiding the risks associated with alcohol consumption. By encouraging their teens to participate in safe and responsible activities after prom, parents can help ensure that their teens have a positive and enjoyable post-prom experience.
Finally, check in with your teen regularly throughout prom season, and let them know that you’re there to support them no matter what. By establishing clear boundaries and having open and honest conversations with your teen, you can help keep them safe and ensure they have a memorable and enjoyable prom experience.
References
- Cortland Area Communities That Care (CACTC). Results and Analysis: The 2022 Cortland County Youth Survey https://sites.google.com/cortlandareactc.org/data-and-epidemiology/home. March, 2023.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2018, January 19). Alcohol poisoning. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386
- Sabrina. (2023, March 27). 7 fun and exciting alternatives to prom … All Women’s Talk. https://teen.allwomenstalk.com/fun-and-exciting-alternatives-to-prom/
