Parents: Keeping Your Kids Safe During Prom

There are two words that illicit anxiety in parents this time of year – prom season.

The right of passage for many youngsters is a well-deserved celebration of accomplishment, but is also occasionally peppered with dangerous situations. Parents are often cautious and reserved about the after prom activities that students look forward to because of the potential trouble.

In Port Washington, Gambol, which is on Jun. 24, has long been a cherished event by many graduating seniors and the community as whole.

To take proper precautions, Francis G. Banta, Interim Principal at Schreiber High School, recently stated in the school’s newsletter that juniors and their parents will have to attend a pre-prom meeting, which will feature Assistant District Attorney Teresa Corrigan as a guest speaker. She will talk about DUI, DWI and drug abuse during the prom season. The junior prom will be held on May 26.

Additionally, seniors attending Gambol, along with their parents, will have to participate in a “similar meeting," Banta explained.

In response to these issues, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Nassau County Police Department Acting Commissioner Thomas Krumpter released a set of tips for local parents in order to make prom season a little less stressful.

The tips for parents from the Nassau County Police Department are as follows:

• Know and discuss the high school’s code of conduct before the prom with your child.
• Examine whether the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school
• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.
• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving.  New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one driving with .02% or more Blood Alcohol Content (One Drink!)
• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations (e.g. offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
• Discuss guidelines and a curfew.  Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
• Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• If your child’s plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair.

“I urge all residents involved in this upcoming prom season to review these tips,” said Commissioner Krumpter in a press release from Nassau County.

Check back on Patch later for some prom safety tips for teenagers.