| If your teenager wants to host a teen party, set the | | | | teens from leaving the party to drink or use drugs |
| limits and let him or her have fun. Plan in advance far | | | | elsewhere and return. Plan to have plenty of food and |
| enough with your teenager so he or she understands | | | | non alcoholic beverages on hand. Keep the party area |
| your expectations and agrees all rules ahead of time. | | | | well lighted and lastly, be flexible about other things |
| Although drug use and abuse by teenagers has | | | | such as most party arrangements are negotiable. |
| dropped significantly over the past few years, the level | | | | While parents know that their teens go to teen parties, |
| of use of these substances by teens is still | | | | too often they are not aware of the circumstances of |
| unacceptably high, and teens are commonly introduced | | | | that party. With a little work and discussion with your |
| to these substances at the teen parties, studies show. | | | | teen, a party away from home can also be a safe |
| As research further points out that a third of the teen | | | | and enjoyable experience as well. |
| party goers report that parents are rarely or never | | | | 1. Agree beforehand on expectations for behavior and |
| present at parties they attend; while ninety-eight | | | | curfew. |
| percent of parents say they are normally present | | | | 2. Be assured that supervision, security, enforcement |
| during parties they allow their teens to have at home. | | | | of no alcohol and drugs. |
| Furthermore, parental presence at parties greatly | | | | 3. Know where your teenager will be, and with whom |
| reduces the likelihood that a teen party will have | | | | get the address and telephone numbers. |
| alcohol or other drugs. Teens are 16 times likelier to | | | | 4. Make it clear to your teen to never ride home with a |
| say alcohol is available and 15 times likelier to say illegal | | | | driver who is under the influence of alcohol or other |
| drugs are available when parents are not present, | | | | drugs. |
| compared to teens who say parents are always | | | | 5. Let your teen understands that he or she can call |
| present at the parties. | | | | you for a ride home if needed. |
| If your teen is hosting a teen party at home, making | | | | 6. Be up to greet your teenager when he or she |
| sure there is no tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. Set a | | | | comes home from a party. |
| policy of 'no closed doors' for parties. Limit party | | | | 7. Pay attention, ask questions, and keep the lines of |
| attendance and times. Do not allow 'party crashing'. Do | | | | communication open with your teen to ensure these |
| not allow guests to come and go. This will discourage | | | | events remain safe and enjoyable. |