High School Graduation Party Safety

It seems like the nearer that it gets to graduation time, that a person can almost hear high school students from across the country shouting: "PARTY!!!!" Unfortunately, during this time of year there is a rise in drunk driving accidents, drug overdoses and other crimes or incidents—all involving high school students. While high school graduation parties are supposed to be fun, they are also supposed to be safe. Keep these safety guidelines in mind as you prepare for your next high school graduation party.

• Ask. Asking questions is always the best way to begin preparing for that graduation party. When deciding which question you need to ask, keep in mind that the simpler the questions the better. What this means is that you should ask the "Who, What, When, and Where" type of questions.
• Supervision. No matter where the party is going to be, you need to make sure that the party is going to have adequate supervision. This means that there will be some type of chaperone at the party. Someone who will ensure that everyone is kept safe and away from any harm, while at the same time allowing everyone to have fun. Make sure that this supervision is provided by someone that you trust and that you can have confidence in.
• Set limits. Prior to the date of the party, make sure that you discuss with your child some good healthy limits. Limits or boundaries aren't necessarily something that has be restrictive, but actually something that can help your child decide what the proper action for any given situation might be. This is what a parent is supposed to do after all—help their child become confident enough to make their own decisions in life.
• Be involved. Be involved in your child's life enough so that they know they can come to you if they are in need of any help or advice. Probably the single greatest deterrent to any teenager's inappropriate behavior is the involvement of their parent. Show interest in what your child is doing, where they are doing it, and who they are doing it with. If at all possible, offer to throw your child's graduation party. This will ensure that the party is in a safe area, has supervision that you can trust, while also giving your child enough space that they can be themselves.