Don't Get Bombed at Prom
by Cindy Burreson
Prom season is upon us; a time when parents get excited about finding the "perfect dress" for their daughter, helping pick out and instruct their son on how to pin the corsage without drawing blood, and helping arrange for transportation and such. It is also a time of worry for parents with the increasing number of teenagers engaging in drinking, sexual activity and drugs. I remember when I went to prom (ions ago, of course), I was a very good girl. I wasn't involved in ANY of those things, but it was definitely a night of peer pressure from both my date and friends. So, how, as a parent can you set your mind at ease that your teenager will "behave"? The only thing you can do is teach them right from wrong. The main reason I DIDN'T do those things is because I didn't want to disappoint my mom, but more importantly, my mom taught me the repercussions of those actions. I read an article today that talked about just that- rather than lecturing your kid, "Use Science to Convince Teens a Sober Prom is Better". They suggest some things to remind your teenager with regard to alcohol consumption and how it can ruin prom: 1) Not remembering- this is an important time of their lives and imbibing in alcohol can impair their memories or even cause them to blackout. 2) Doing things they may not want to do- explain that alcohol can impair their judgment causing them to indulge in risky behaviors they may ordinarily avoid. It impairs their ability to reason and weigh options. 3) Fighting- research shows that teens who drink are often more violent than those who don't. Fighting or damaging property may land you in trouble with the law, let alone with your peers. 4) Sickness- the repercussions of drinking may not only be felt that evening, but in the days to follow. Alcohol poisoning is a very real possibility and can lead to death. Another side note, is the fact that with impaired judgment, one may be inclined to drive under the influence which could put you, your guests, and others at risk, as well as land you in jail or dead. All of this may sound extreme, but it's the truth and it's not worth one night of trying to "be cool".
Source: Sober Prom Is Better." ScienceDaily 21 May 2009. 21 May 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/05/090520140410.htm>.