Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

Although the legal drinking age is 21 in the U.S., studies show that by age 18, more than 70% of teens have had at least one drink (NIAAA). When asked who gave them alcohol, many responded they got alcohol from a family member or friend. Some simply were experimenting and drank alcohol they found at home without adult permission, but some said adults actually allowed them to drink as long as they were at home. Yes, you read that right, some adults serve alcohol to teens even though it is against the law.

In addition to age, a person’s weight, height and even gender determine the effect that alcohol has on the body. The problem with children drinking alcohol is alcohol can affect brain development, slow their reactions and may even cause alcohol poisoning at a rate faster and more harmful than in adults.

Alcohol & Prom Night Don’t Mix

Television ads, bill boards and adult parties all make partying with alcohol look so fun and exciting. And while those adults may look like they’re having fun, the truth is, students don’t need alcohol to have a good time. Prom is about creating memories and spending time with friends. Promoting prom night safety is a community effort. Everyone involved – parents, schools and students – can work together to help students enjoy their prom while keeping them safe. With that in mind, we have pulled together some tips and pointers that parents, students and schools can use to make sure prom night is fun and safe.

For Parents: Encourage Teens To Practice Safe Behavior On Prom Night

Do you talk to you children about prom? Many parents are involved in helping their teen find the right dress or suit, and that’s where the conversations about prom ends. While it is important to help your teen dress appropriately for their prom, it is also equally important (if not more important) to have open conversations with them about appropriate behavior. Some parents find it hard to talk to teens about drugs, sex and alcohol. And we understand.

The good news is the conversation does not have to be hard. In fact, prom night gives parents a good excuse to bring up these hard-to-discuss subjects. By making “the talk” a part of the prom planning process, you are more likely to get your teen’s attention if you put the focus of the conversation on prom night itself and not on your right to enforce rules – the things teens despise so much. The important thing is to set the expectation that you have of your child to enjoy their prom and to practice safe behavior. Students whose parents have regular communication with them are less likely to engage in risky behavior such as drinking alcohol, using drugs or having sex. This means that parents can have a significant influence and play an important role in making prom night safe and fun for teens.

Here are some things to consider to help your child have a great time on prom night:

• Share with your teen school rules as well as your rules for the prom, including acceptable behavior, curfew and other school policies.
• Ask your child what kinds of activities they enjoy and allow them to tell you what they are looking forward to doing on prom night.
• Ask your child to invite their friends over for a sleep over prior to prom night. Get to know their peers.
• Is your child dating? Do you know for sure? If so, try to reach out to the parents of their date and build a relationship with them.
• When talking to your child about alcohol, let them tell you what they know about alcohol. If they have already experimented with alcohol, ask them how it made them feel. Let them know you don’t condone the behavior by explaining to them the consequences of underage drinking including drivers license suspension, alcohol poisoning and health risks.
• Ask your teen if they would like to have a post-prom party at your house. If so, provide a fun, alcohol-free environment for them to have a good time.
• Is your child taking a limo to the prom? Check ahead with the limo company and be absolutely sure there is no alcohol in the limo at any time during the transport of your child.
• Let your child know you will be at home and awake when they arrive home from the prom. This will enforce accountability and let them know you expect them to make curfew.

Did you know? Adults can be fined a minimum of $1000 for serving alcohol to anyone under the age of 21?

For Schools: Foster a Safe Environment on Prom Night

Most schools have a policy for both prom night as well as an alcohol policy. The drug and alcohol policy is an important thing to reiterate during prom season. Schools should make the policy readily available for teachers, administrators, parents and students and make sure all parties are aware and educated on what the policy covers. On prom night, chaperones, faculty and staff should keep an eye on the students and be prepared to discipline students who violate the drug and alcohol policy.

Did You Know? Most states have a nighttime driving restrictions for young drivers that prohibits teens from driving unsupervised at night. In North Carolina, the nighttime driving restriction is enforced 9PM – 5AM for teen drivers.

For Students: Top 5 Prom Safety & Responsibility Tips for Teens

1. Remember you don’t need drugs or alcohol to enjoy your prom night. Create fun memories, dance to your favorite song, take lots of photos and most importantly, be yourself! You don’t have to try to fit in, especially when you know what’s right.
2. Do you have a date for the prom? Introduce them to your parents ahead of time. It’s important for your parents to know who you’re spending time with; not so they can invade your privacy, but so they can have the information they need in case something happens. Believe it or not, your parents do care about you and your safety. Simply by introducing them to your friends will relieve some of their stress about your safety and may even help them trust you more.
3. Be “That” Friend: Peer pressure can be hard, especially if you’re the only one in your crowd who chooses not to engage in risky behavior. Be “that” friend who says no. Go a step farther and stand up for what is right and encourage your friends to stand with you.
4. Contact An Adult: If you notice a fellow student is drinking alcohol or using drugs during prom night, tell an adult. You could save someone’s life by speaking up.
5. Want to hang out after the prom is over? Go back to a safe place where an adult is present and extend the party. Ask your parents to host an after-prom party at your home. You can have a game night, late night pizza party, or binge-watch your favorite TV shows. The key is to have some good, “clean” fun to make it a night to remember. Just make sure your friends have permission to come over first!

We at Absolute Advocacy encourage North Carolina teens to have a safe and fun prom night.