Staying Safe During Prom

There are two words that illicit anxiety in parents this time of year – prom season. That same event is the one thing that high school seniors look forward to more than graduation itself.

Students often spend countless hours preparing themselves and their friends for the big day. The right of passage for many youngsters is a well-deserved celebration of accomplishment, but is also occasionally peppered with dangerous situations. Sometimes the celebration enables teens to partake in some questionable decision-making. Parents are often cautious and reserved about the after prom activities that students look forward to because of the potential trouble.

In Levittown, MacArthur’s prom was last Saturday, Division is on Thursday and Island Trees High School will be holding theirs next week.

In response to these issues, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Nassau County Police Department Acting Commissioner Thomas Krumpter released a set of tips for local parents in order to make prom season a little less stressful.

“I urge all residents involved in this upcoming prom season to review these tips,” said Commissioner Krumpter in a press release from Nassau County.

The tips for parents from the Nassau County Police Department are as follows:

• Know and discuss the high school’s code of conduct before the prom with your child.
• Examine whether the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school
• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.
• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving.  New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one driving with .02% or more Blood Alcohol Content (One Drink!)
• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations (e.g. offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
• Discuss guidelines and a curfew.  Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
• Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• If your child’s plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair.

The tips and reminders for teens from the Nassau County Police Department are as follows: 

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one.  Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse.
• Don’t let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead – make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends; remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know.  If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
• Remember to charge your cell phone and have it with you.
• Know where you are and where you are going; keep your parents and friends informed.
• Trust your instincts, if you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change.
• Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons.  It is dangerous and everyone in the car is at risk of getting arrested
• It is illegal to alter your drivers’ license or any other form of government identifications.