Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

A parent's guide to safe teenage parties

Parties are an important part of our teenagers' lives for socialization, relaxation and entertainment. But for many teens, the definition of "partying" includes alcohol or other drugs.

Teens often view alcohol as a way to make friends, relax, gain acceptance, and feel like an adult. That's where peer pressure comes into play and a teen's resistance skills are tested. One way to help your teen resist these negative aspects of peer pressure is to host a party without alcohol and drugs. This may even give your teen the opportunity to exert some positive peer pressure! Below you'll find some helpful guidelines for hosting teen parties. These guidelines won't always be easy to follow. But, seriously attempting to establish reasonable guidelines can benefit the entire community. It is helpful to get to know the parents of your teen's friends. You may want to join or informally form a parent network that works to establish common guidelines for teen parties.

Guidelines for parents of teenagers hosting a party

• Set ground rules with your teen before the party.
• Be present during the party. A parent can bring in snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Not only will your presence help keep the party running smoothly, but it will also give you an opportunity to meet or get to know your teen's friends better.
• Limit the party's length (enable teens to be home at a reasonable hour) and number of people.
•Guests should not be allowed to come and go.
• Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages on hand.
• Encourage your teen to consider some organized group activities or games.
• Avoid easy access to alcohol and other drugs in your home.
• Let neighbors know you plan to have a supervised teen gathering.

It is illegal to offer alcohol to guests under the legal drinking age or to allow guests to use drugs in your home. You may be brought to court on criminal charges and/or have to pay monetary damages in a civil lawsuit if you furnish alcohol or drugs to minors.

• Be alert to signs of alcohol or drug use by teens. Guest who try to bring alcohol or other drugs, or who refuse to cooperate with your expectations, should be asked to leave. Be willing to call the police if unwanted guests refuse to leave.
• Notify the parents of any teen who arrives at the party drunk or under the influence of any other drug to ensure the teen's safe transportation home. Do not let anyone drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Guidelines for parents of teenagers attending a party

• When your teen is invited to a party, help reduce peer pressure to drink by checking out party details in advance.
• Contact parents of the party giver to verify the occasion, to see if adults will be present and that no alcohol or other drugs will be permitted.
• Know the party location and how your teen will get to and from the party.
• Make it clear to your teen when you expect him or her home and then be awake or have your teen awaken you when he or she arrives home.
A teen party without some parental guidance can have unwanted, even tragic consequences. Plan to host a teen party with food, humor, and recreation and teens won't need alcohol or other drugs to have fun.

Judy Taylor is an extension educator, Youth Development, at the Springfield Extension Center, P.O. Box 8199, Springfield, JL 62791, (217) 782-6515 Taylorj@mail.aces.uiuc.edu.

JULY 2001 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LlVING