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Spring

Planning for Prom Fun and Safety

A Tip for Teens

"While you're discussing gowns, tuxedos, who will share a limousine and who will be the big date, take time to explain how crucial it is to have a plan," says Paula Braverman, MD, Division of Adolescent Medicine.

If this is spring, it must be prom time. Yet while teens are making party plans, parents are worrying about risky behaviors: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, date rape, pregnancy and unsafe sex.

"Prom should be a positive experience," says Paula Braverman, MD, professor of clinical pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Cincinnati Children's. "While you're discussing gowns, tuxedos, who will share a limousine and who will be the big date, take time to explain how crucial it is to have a plan."

National Center for Health Statistics data show motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds. In 2005, 28 percent of the drivers in those fatal accidents had been drinking. "Teens who would not drink and drive could find themselves tempted to ride with someone who has been drinking," says Dr. Braverman.

She offers these strategies to ease parents' prom anxieties and help keep teens as safe as possible.

Parents

  • Get involved in planning your teen's prom night.
  • Set rules for post-prom activities – where, how long, what they'll do and with whom.
  • Get the evening's itinerary, including names of fellow prom-goers and their parents' phone numbers.
  • Set a reasonable curfew based on past behavior.
  • Limit the number of passengers for teens who drive to not more than one other teen.
  • Restrict cell phone use while driving.
  • Have a contract, laying out the rules everyone agrees on.
  • For home parties, be sure alcohol is inaccessible.
  • Be on call for a ride home or other emergency.

Teens

  • Know your date before you go.
  • Make an agreement with parents not to drink and drive and not to ride with anyone who does.
  • Keep an eye on your date and driver to make sure they don't drink alcohol.
  • To avoid tampering, do not leave your beverage unattended.
  • Resist all high-risk activities including alcohol and drug use and unwanted/unprotected sex.
  • Check in with your parents during the night.
  • Always buckle up.
  • After the red light turns green, pause before entering the intersection to be safe.
  • Make sure the car has enough gas.