Safe Party Tips
The best party is a safe one.
By ensuring parties are safe makes them more enjoyable for all concerned. Young people wanting to have fun and parents wanting them to be safe do not have to be mutually exclusive outcomes.
Just follow a few simple guidelines:-
For parents
- Try and keep up with your teenager’s life and who their friends are, whilst respecting their need for privacy.
- Discuss your concerns and negotiate the conditions about going out. This can be difficult but keep trying. Assure them that while you trust them you’re concerned about their safety.
- If you’re unsure make contact with the host’s parents to check details such as supervision, location, alcohol and transport.
- Let them know that you’re available at any time to help them and not to fear calling you even if it is the middle of the night. Make this agreement clear.
- Give them some emergency money or a cab charge voucher so they can get a cab if necessary.
- Agree that if your teenager calls you in the middle of the night for a lift or other assistance, that you’ll help out and leave any discussion about the issues until a more suitable time in the following days.
For young people
- Plan your night out. Think about how you’re going to get home.
- Check the late night transport timetable on Transport Infoline 131 500.
- Have a meal before you leave, especially if you’re going to drink alcohol.
- Get your own drinks and don’t leave your drinks unattended.
- As an alternative to private parties, have you considered the under 18’s events frequently organised in your area? Contact your local council for more details. A full youth services directory is available on Council websites.
- Don’t separate from your friends.
- Watch out for your friends and make sure you all get home OK.
For more information
Information for young people and parents on Sydney's Northern Beaches from Mosman to Palm Beach can be downloaded here