9 Tips for a Safe Prom Night

Prom night is a milestone for teens and parents. It’s a night of fun and excitement, but before the celebrations begin, it’s important to discuss safety. 

For Teens

1. Stay sober. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol, and for good reason. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, lower your inhibitions, and significantly increase the likelihood of injury or finding yourself in an unsafe situation.

2. Plan your ride. Plan ahead for how you're getting to prom and getting back home. If you find yourself in a situation where someone wants to drive after drinking, don't let them. Take their keys, call for a ride, or find another way home. Drowsy driving is dangerous, too. If it's late and you're exhausted, don't get behind the wheel. 

3. Stay with your group. Stick with your friends throughout the evening and keep an eye out for each other. If someone in your group wanders off or seems like they're in a situation that doesn't feel right, step in. Being a good friend might mean making an unpopular call. Make it anyway.

4. Never leave your drink unattended. If you set your drink down or step away from it, don't pick it back up. Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know. 

5. Keep your phone charged and your parents informed. Before you leave the house, make sure your phone is fully charged. Share your location with a parent or trusted adult and let them know where you're headed, including any after-party plans. 
   

   

For Parents

1. Have a conversation before prom night. Talk openly with your teen about alcohol, drugs, and peer pressure before the evening arrives. Set clear expectations, but leave room for honesty. 

2. Help arrange reliable transportation. If at all possible, take the driving question off the table entirely. Whether that's a hired car, a rideshare arranged in advance, or a carpool with another trusted parent behind the wheel, knowing your teen has a safe way home gives you both peace of mind. When teens don't have to navigate transportation in the moment, they're less likely to end up in a car with someone who shouldn't be driving.

3. Get informed. Know where your teen is going, who they'll be with, and how they're getting home. Ask about after-party locations, not to be intrusive, but because unsupervised gatherings are where prom night risks often escalate. If you're in a position to open your home as a safe, supervised space for the after-party, that's a meaningful way to keep the celebration going and keep everyone safe.

4. Give them an exit plan. Before prom night, agree on a simple code word or phrase your teen can text you if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable and need to be picked up, no questions asked. One of the most powerful things you can do is make a promise that if your teen calls you for help, no matter what's happening, they won't be in trouble. 
   

Prom night should be one of the good memories. With a little preparation and honest conversation, it can be exactly that.