Prom Night and Prom Weekend is One of the Deadliest Times of Year for Teens According to NHTSA

“It’s the biggest night of my life!” say many overexaggerating teenagers when talking about prom, and while we agree it is an important experience, it can also be a dangerous one too. From spiked drinks at the dance to crazy afterparties, prom night is one of the most dangerous nights for a teenager. Know the common pressures and risks teenagers face during prom weekend and set them up for success and a safe night out instead.

Common Problems Teenagers Face During Prom Night

Teenagers have a rough time as it is in everyday life, but during prom, extra peer pressure and pressure to have a life-changing experience can mean they’re more likely to try dangerous substances or put themselves in dangerous situations. That drive and need to fit in can lead to assault, injury, and even death. At Primo Prevention, we want teenagers to experience a fun but safe prom night, so be on the lookout for these common problems facing high schoolers on prom night.

• Alcohol

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every 48 minutes someone dies in a drunk-driving accident. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 20 percent of high school students have ridden with a driver who had been drinking. Combined with the NHTSA’s report that 48 teenagers die during a typical prom weekend, the drinking and driving epidemic during prom is a major concern. Alcohol poisoning is also a concern during prom weekend as teenagers experiment with alcohol and don’t know their tolerance or limits.

• Drugs

Another major concern during prom and prom weekend for teenagers is the consumption of drugs such as ecstasy, prescription drugs, marijuana, and other stimulants. The pressure to have a good time and fit in can lead even the best of students to try dangerous drugs. Overdoses and impaired judgment could result in many injuries and property damages.

• Dating

Getting a date to the prom is every high schooler’s number one concern, but staying safe throughout the night with their date is usually at the bottom of their list. Prom night, however, is notorious for sexual assault and harassment incidents. From people taking advantage of someone who is intoxicated to purposefully drugging other students, sexual assaults can happen on prom night. Protection and awareness should be considered extremely important to prevent incidents for every attendant.

Preventative Measures to Mitigate Risks

There are many actions that can be taken to help prevent students from experiencing the worst of prom. The number one thing you can do is talk to your students about the risks and give them information on how to avoid them. Primo Prevention provides brochures and handouts to schools that speak directly to high schoolers about the dangers of drinking, drugs, and dating. Continual reminders and stories about real experiences can help students understand the grave consequences of risky behavior on a night that should be happy. Check out our brochures on teen drinking, teen drug use, and teen dating to see how we can help your students enjoy prom. Continued education in school and at home is advised for keeping your students safe.

Safe Prom Night Afterparty Alternatives for Schools and Teenagers

While there are many opportunities for students to drink and do drugs at the actual prom, the afterparty is usually where many dangerous activities occur. Primo Prevention encourages schools and parents to consider a safe alternative in the form of supervised and school-hosted after-prom events. Many schools are now incorporating these after prom events into their prom planning so that students have a safe place to go to continue the fun without the dangers and risks of unsupervised parties.

With planned activities, shows, and games, school-hosted afterparties are a much safer route for students.

For more information on the dangers of prom or to order informative brochures for your students, call Primo Prevention at 512-285-9895.