Parents – keep your eye on the ball

24/06/2011 | School Balls

Although there have been unfortunate incidents associated with school balls elsewhere in the country, Palmerston North’s “Ball Season” seems to have started uneventfully.

“So far so good,” says MidCentral health promoter Martin Macmaster, but he wants to remind parents not to get complacent.

“School balls – or more often the after-parties – have sometimes been occasions of concern to schools, parents and police.  While the balls themselves are well organised and supervised the same cannot always be said about functions after the event.

“Police and schools have both issued advice and warnings about before- and after-events but ultimately the outcomes are down to the young people themselves and their parents.  Martin says recent events should have shaken parents out of their ‘what could go wrong?’ attitude, and have hopefully prompted them to be more proactive about keeping their kids safe around alcohol and parties.

“We all know alcohol and teenagers can be a dangerous mixture but there are steps parents can take to try and limit the risks.

“The first concern is around parents’ supplying alcohol.  Will it be legal in the situation and is the type and amount sensible in the circumstances? (Bottles of spirits are never a good idea and experience has shown the more that’s provided the more will get drunk.)

“Also – do you know where they’re going and what’s happening there?  Ringing the hosts to enquire about arrangements (including supervision, alcohol, security, and numbers) is not being intrusive - it’s responsibly looking out for your kids.  And who knows what you might learn talking to other parents?

“Finally there are things you can talk to your kids about: About alcohol and consequences, and about strategies for staying safe; face-saving code words; planning rides; check-in times; sticking together; and what to do if it goes pear-shaped.

“We’ve heard the stories and watched the news and we know that one bad decision can lead to consequences that end lives or change them forever. 

“For some more good advice ALAC put out a booklet “Alcohol, your kids, and you” which is available from them, or through the Public Health Unit telephone (06) 350 9110.  Get a hold of one, think about what you want for your kids and keep them safe.  While they may be senior students they are still young and it’s your job to protect them – not just provide them the means to cause harm and step out of the way.”

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945