Stay safe at social events
The start of a new school year is a time to get together with friends and have fun. There will be back-to-school parties, football games and rallies, homecoming celebrations, and Halloween parties. These festivities are a big part of the fall semester.
But as fun as these events can be, they can also be dangerous. Parties can get out of hand pretty quickly, and it can be easier to get out of hand if you’re not careful. With a few preparations, you can enjoy all your school celebrations without worry.
1. Sign a contract with your parents
Talk to your parents about setting up a contract before you start attending parties. You can come to an agreement about what to do if you or your friends start drinking at parties. A simple contract outlines the guidelines that you and your parents agree to in case you need to call them for a ride home. You should sit down with your parents and discuss your thoughts and feelings about what the contract should say, both for you and for them.
two. Use the buddy system
Plan to go to school events with a group of friends. Stick together and take care of each other. Predators are less likely to approach groups and can ensure that if one person has a problem, they won’t be left alone while another seeks help.
3. plan ahead
Make a plan with your friends for the night. Decide what time you will go, what time you will leave, where to meet if you get separated, what you will do after the event, and what to do if someone needs to leave early. Knowing that you support each other will make for a more enjoyable evening for everyone.
Four. designate a driver
If you’re attending a party where alcohol will be served (and you’re 21, of course), designate a driver. Choose someone in your group to stick to non-alcoholic beverages throughout the event, and get everyone else home safely. You can start a group and rotate drivers at events throughout the year.
5. Avoid open drinks
Do not accept a drink from an open can, punch bowl, soda bottle, or other open container. Stick with drinks from a fresh, unopened can or bottle. Open drinks are too easy for someone to mix with any number of substances.
6. Do not accept drinks from a stranger
Accepting a drink from a stranger can cause the same dangerous problems as accepting a drink from an open container. Pick your own drink or ask a trusted friend to bring you one.
These six tips will help you and your friends stay safe at school events and allow you to have more fun. Enjoy!