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To the editor: Prom night is an exciting time for teens to dress
up, have fun with their friends and classmates, and make memories
that will last a lifetime. Whether you are a teen or the parent of a
teen, it is important to remember that making poor choices like
speeding, driving recklessly, not wearing a seat belt, drinking or
riding with someone who is impaired by alcohol and drugs can not
only ruin the evening, but ruin a life.
The Logan County Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Task Force is
reminding teens and parents of the deadly consequences of making
poor decisions. Listed below are ways that parents and teens can do
their part to help make prom an enjoyable and safe evening.
Parents:
-
Talk to the teens
in your life about ways that they can prevent problems.
-
Make sure you
communicate with them clearly that there will be consequences if
they choose to make a poor choice like drinking and driving.
-
Don't think that
you are protecting them by letting them drink at home as long as
they stay in the house. Alcohol is still illegal for those under
21 and can lead to other serious issues such as alcohol
poisoning, binge drinking and legal consequences for them and
you.
-
Remind them to avoid texting and
talking on their cell phones while driving. Discourage speeding
and remind them of curfews.
[to top of second column in this letter] |
Teens:
-
It is up to you to
make the right decisions. We all make choices and must live with
the consequences. Making the right decisions isn't always the
most popular one at the time, but it can make the difference
between having a great prom night and a tragic one.
-
Don't ever feel
pressured to get into a car or stay in a car where you feel
unsafe. Whether it is because of fast driving, or the driver
being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, don't be afraid
to speak up.
-
Positive peer pressure can be very
powerful. Telling your friends or classmates that you don't want
to see them get hurt or hurt someone else may help them rethink
some of their decisions.
It is our hope that parents and teens working and planning
together during the exciting prom and graduation season can help
youth enjoy these special times safely.
If you would like to make a positive impact in your community by
working to decrease alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among youth,
come visit a Logan County ATOD meeting. Meetings are held the second
Friday of the month at the Logan County Department of Public Health
at noon.
Camille Springer
Logan County Community Prevention Coordinator
[Posted
April 28, 2010]
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