Silky dresses and sharp suits are in order this time of year, as prom season gets under way for area high school juniors and seniors. It’s a time to make great memories with school friends and celebrate the end of another school year.
Unfortunately, it’s also a time of year when parents worry that their children will make bad decisions while celebrating ”“ decisions that could impact the rest of their lives.
Drunk driving is the most dangerous possibility on prom night, as it can result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drinking is responsible for more than 4,500 deaths among young people each year. It’s the leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19, and, in 2010, 1 in 5 of those teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had alcohol in their system, according to the CDC.
Schools and police departments have done a great job of educating students of this threat over the past several years, using mock crash scenes to show them the consequences of drunk driving, and it’s working: Teen drunk driving nationwide is down by 54 percent since 1991, according to a CDC report issued in October.
As always, parents have the greatest role to play here, not only in leading by example but also in communicating: Teens must know that drinking and driving kills, so it must be avoided at all costs. Teens must know that their parent or guardian is willing to come get them at any time, with no punishment, if they do not feel comfortable getting in the car with a friend they believe has been drinking ”“ or getting behind the wheel themselves. Knowing that they have an “out” can be the difference between life and death.
Parents who feel awkward about discussing this issue with their teenager can find a handbook online, courtesy of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, at madd.org.
It’s no surprise that teens feel pressured to use alcohol to have a good time, since that’s the message many adults send at their own parties, and it’s reinforced by ubiquitous advertising. While most adults have learned to drink in moderation, however, teens who have no experience with booze can quickly find themselves compromised and feeling ill.
Even if no vehicle is involved, drug and alcohol use sets the stage for other hazards, such as date rape and violence, so teens need to be educated about those risks. It never hurts to remind teenagers of the imperative of safe sex, as well, to drive home the point that STDs and pregnancy ”“ not to mention a poor reputation and feelings of regret ”“ are all possibilities when engaging in sexual activity. Keeping their wits about them by avoiding mind-altering substances is the best way to stay safe and to stay out of trouble with the law, too.
In this age with a camera on every cellphone, photos from which can be instantly posted online, teens know better than anyone else how hard it will be to sweep indiscretions under the rug.
After-parties for teen events such as prom and graduation can be the site of alcohol and drug use, so parents must be particularly vigilant about ensuring that such parties are supervised by a responsible adult, and should also decide whether their teen is emotionally mature enough to attend.
Prom sets high expectations for youth to have a good time, whether it means fitting in by compromising their health or moral values, or spending more than they can afford on a special outfit and personal appearance improvements. As a community, we can all help reinforce the truth: that good times come from sharing fun activities with people you care about ”“ not from abusing your body, taking unnecessary risks or trying to fit in.
We hope all York County prom-goers will respect themselves enough to make good decisions this year and enjoy a great night to remember.
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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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