First the Bus But Then What? Prom Safety Tips for Parents

Tonight is the Sleepy Hollow High School's Senior Prom, which for seniors can mean serious excitement (and big-budget dress-shopping) while for parents may come...dread.

“Having been through this as a parent, first I empathize with the parents of prom-aged children everywhere,” said district superintendent Dr. Howard Smith today.

Our high school has a good method of ensuring safety at least on the front end of the night: the students are bused over to the party's location – this year across the river at the Old Tappan Manor in Old Tappan, New Jersey. There's also a “rigorous screening process," said Smith, to ensure kids aren't showing up under the influence or sneaking anything in.

But then the official part of the night ends and the students are on their own for post-parties. “Most everyone has been very responsible before and made it a nice event, but we have to keep our fingers crossed that they stay safe afterwards,” Smith said. “It's more after the prom that we don't have control over.”

Besides just crossing fingers, there are some things parents can do to keep their kids safe.

Smith encouraged parents to take a very active stance. “Press them for more details and don't necessarily believe what they tell you," he said.

AAA Auto Club publishes the following tips for parents to help teens get home safely during prom season.

• Don’t assume all parents share your values and will monitor your teen’s actions as you would expect. Exchange phone numbers and talk with other parents and your teen’s friends to ensure ample communication.
• Talk with your teen about a safe ride home, prom rules, and the consequences for breaking the rules before they attend any prom festivities.
• Take an inventory of alcohol and prescription drugs in your home and secure them if hosting a prom party.
• If renting a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle and talk with the limo driver about your expectations for the evening.
• Set a reasonable curfew for the evening and let your teen know you will wait up for them to return home.

There was a PTSA meeting in May featuring a discussion on "what we can do to keep our kids safe" at prom, but turnout was dismal. So maybe parents aren't that worried or already have their plan in place. Do you? Weigh in the comments below.

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