The OPP are offering some safety tips to teenagers on how your end of year party can be safe and fun.
NORFOLK COUNTY - The Norfolk County OPP would like to remind everyone that the end of the school year is quickly approaching and parties for graduation and prom will be held throughout the County.
Police want parents to take an active role in everyone's safety. Parents can influence choices about alcohol and drug use and they're being encouraged to talk to their teenagers on being responsible as well as including a plan to stay safe.
Constable Ed Sanchuk says parents need to have an open and honest discussion with their teenagers.
"We're just encouraging parents and caregivers to sit down, have an open and frank discussion with your family members about the dangers associated with alcohol use or drug use because you want to make sure that you have fun, but at the same time you want to make sure everyone gets home to safely to their family. And it really comes down to the parents playing that integral role of letting their kids know what's going on, so if you do have a plan, make sure there's a plan in place and you're talking to your teens about being responsible."
Inspector and Detachment Commander Joseph Varga says teenagers should enjoy the end of the school year parties, but remember to be responsible too.
"Teens who attend year end school parties should enjoy those moments with classmates and friends. It represents the end of one phase of their lives and the beginning of another. They should make it memorable without doing anything to spoil what should be a safe and fun occasion."
Compared to adults, youth are at greater risk of harm when they drink or use drugs. Things like lower tolerance to alcohol or drugs and inexperience, increases vulnerability to assaults, falls, sexual assaults, drowning's and impaired driving. Excessive drinking can also lead to alcohol poisoning and even death.
Parents must set definite safety rules for teens who'll be attending parties, whether at their home or elsewhere. Unfortunately, today's teens have easy access to everything that could possibly be dangerous at parties. They have the responsibility of following sensible rules of personal safety when they are invited to them.
Sanchuk adds parties should be alcohol and drug free.
"If you'll soon be hosting or attending a teen party, you need to know the home owner is civilly liable if alcohol or drugs are being served to minors. And some safety tips that may help keep reasonable control of the situation is no drinking or drugs and that'll probably help out a lot actually. And no impaired driving."
The following safety tips may help you keep reasonable control of the situation. When it is done with intelligence and self-control, the parties are fun and safe.
1. No drinking or drugs: Everyone involved, including parents and teens, should receive a firm warning from the host that the party ends immediately at any hint of substance abuse. If you're the parent or teen, state that you'll be prepared to call other parents and/or police if it happens. Make it clear that the party hosts' can be held civilly responsible for the actions of the attendees.
2. No impaired driving: Party hosts are civilly responsible for any collisions and injuries involving impaired driving by a guest as a result of alcoholic beverages or drugs consumed at a party in their home. If you are the host, tell all guests in advance of the very strict rules about driving impaired by either alcohol or drugs.
3. Riding with an alcohol- or drug-impaired driver: When invited to the party, make sure you arrive and leave safely. If your driver indulges during the party, ask a sober driver or hire a cab to take you home. You may also take the responsibility to prevent the impaired teen from driving home alone or with others in the car.
4. Parties in restaurants and clubs: If you're invited to a party in a hotel, restaurant or private club, check with your parents before you decide to attend. Often, when teens choose these locations, the intent is to be able to drink illegally without parental supervision.
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