NewBridge Offers Parents 10 Safety Tips for Teens

Communication, planning key to safeguard teens during prom, graduation season

Pompton Plains, NJ - April 4, 2007 - Spring has finally arrived! With it comes the end of another school year - and for high school seniors that means prom, graduation, and the parties that follow. With celebratory nights, newfound independence, and underage drinking that often occurs, it is important for parents to keep the lines of communication open to help their children make sound and safe decisions.

Recognizing this, NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education services, stresses the importance of the parent's role in their teen's safety.

"First and foremost, parents can help ensure their children's safety by maintaining an open dialogue with their teens," said Michelle Borden, LCSW, Associate Executive Director, NewBridge. "As they get older, teens must begin to take responsibility for their own decisions, but communication, guidance and advance planning can help steer them in the right direction."

During this prom and graduation season, NewBridge offers the following 10 tips for parents to help keep their child safe:

1. Keep an open dialogue with your teen. Try to listen and allow your teen to express his or her feelings without judgment.
2. Make sure your teen has a plan for the evening and that you know it. Know who is driving, where they are going, and when they'll be home. Ask for a phone call if plans change.
3. Tell your teen that you are just a phone call away at any hour in case he finds himself in a compromising situation.
4. Discuss rules and the consequences of violating them.
5. Keep an open-door policy. By welcoming your teen's friends into your home, you can get to know the people he or she hangs out with.
6. Tell your teen not to ride with people who have been drinking-even if they seem okay to drive.
7. Praise your teen when he or she uses good judgment in the face of peer pressure or temptation.
8. Communicate with other parents.
9. Follow your instincts, and don't be afraid to say no to risky activities even though "everyone else's parents said 'yes.'"
10. Many teens go to the shore after prom or graduation, a hotspot for underage partying. Consider chipping in with other parents to rent a house at the shore as a graduation present, then invite the teens as your guests. Bring a good book, and keep an eye out.

This is a time of tremendous adjustment for parents as well, who hope that their past parenting will guide their children to make positive decisions as they enter adulthood. But communication remains an important tool for parents.

"Your child is never too old to benefit from your guidance," said Borden. "As long as you keep the lines of communication open, and keep your door open to your child and his friends; you'll continue to learn from one another."

If you or a loved one are suffering from excessive stress related to this issue or any other problem, you might benefit from speaking with a professional. Call NewBridge toll-free at (888) 746-9333.

About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.