Prom and Graduation Safety
Prom and graduations are coming up, and they are reasons to celebrate! However, these milestone events can turn into the ultimate tragedy for some students. There are some sobering statistics about drinking and driving on prom night and teen auto accident fatalities. Being proactive and making good choices can help avoid unnecessary casualties.
The Sammamish Police Department has the following tips to help keep these events as safe as possible.
Tips for parents to keep their children safe
- Communicate with your student.
- Establish ground rules and a curfew.
- Know your child’s agenda—including who they’ll be with and where they’re going.
- Talk to them about consent and saying no to peer pressure regarding alcohol/drugs.
- Keep in touch; have regular check-ins.
- Communicate with other parents. Maybe pool together for a limo. Speak directly to any who are hosting parties since some allow underage drinking.
- Do not purchase alcohol for anyone under 21.
- Offer to host a party, adult-supervised and alcohol/drug-free.
- Be available. Make an agreement that your student can call you at any time for help or a ride.
How students can safely have fun at prom and grad night
- Travel safely.
- Always wear a seatbelt; ensure everyone in the car has one on.
- Do not drive if you’ve been drinking/taking drugs or get into a car with anyone who has.
- Do not use your phone while driving.
- Think responsibility and be prepared. Think ahead of time of ways to say no to peer pressure.
- Be alert. Dating violence, including sexual assault, is an issue. Call 911 if you’re in danger.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call your parents or another trusted adult if you run into trouble. Call 911 if you have an emergency.
- Have fun!