NewBridge Offers Parents 10 Safety Tips for Teens
Communication, planning key to safeguard teens during prom, graduation season
PEQUANNOCK, NJ - May 19, 2010 - For teens, the high school prom kicks off a season of fun filled graduation parties, trips to the Jersey Shore and often, a whole lot more unsupervised time. To keep teens safe, parents need to reinforce their roles as coach and mentor so their children make wise choices.
"Parents can help ensure their children's safety by maintaining an open dialogue with their teens," said L. Michelle Borden, associate executive director of NewBridge Services, a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education programs.
During this prom and graduation season, NewBridge offers the following 10 tips for parents to help keep their child safe:
- Articulate rules and the consequences of violating them.
- When your teen goes out with friends, ask him who is driving, where they are going and when he will be home. Tell him he must call if plans change.
- Instruct your teen not to drive with anyone who has been drinking alcohol, and let her know she can call you for a ride at any time.
- Don't be swayed into letting your teen partake in risky activities just because "everyone else's parents said yes."
- Discuss the dangers of alcohol and club drugs.
- Offer to pick up your teen if he finds himself in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation.
- Invite your child's friends to your home so you can get to know them.
- Communicate with other parents.
- For post-prom festivities, rent a house at the Shore and allow your teen to invite his friends, so that you can supervise their fun. If that is too costly, get other parents to go in on the rental.
- Praise your teen when he or she uses good judgment in the face of peer pressure or temptation.
"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," Borden said.
About NewBridge Services
Founded in 1963, NewBridge Services, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization providing innovative programs and education services in five focus areas: mental health, substance abuse, housing, youth programs and senior assistance. Whether guiding people as they cope with stress, grief, or substance abuse, or providing advice to those with parenting, relationship or caregiving challenges, NewBridge helps people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.