Partying is a lot of fun for people of all ages; Teenagers are no exception. The idea of partying to teenagers varies from clubbing to attending a concert, festival, birthday parties, variety shows, pool parties and beach parties.
For a teenager, there are so many risks involved in partying, but, one can stay safe and still have a good time if well informed about safe partying.
There is actually nothing wrong in a teenager partying, the only thing wrong is when their idea of fun includes binge drinking, drink driving, drug overdose, unprotected sex, sexual assault, fighting, gate crashing and so on.
Below are some tips that I hope will help a teenager party safely.
-Always make smart decisions such as:
1. Remember that you must not take alcohol or drugs before you can have fun.
2. Eating well before leaving home. A full stomach slows down the absorption of alcohol.
3. Consuming drinks with low alcohol content’
4. Trusting your own judgment. Don’t let peer pressure sway you into doing anything you don’t feel comfortable with.
5. In case where you are not sure of yourself, take condoms with you, better still, stay at home, you must not tempt yourself and risk putting yourself in harm’s way.
6. Make sure you don’t take risk or venture into something you may regret and most of all, consider the feelings of your parents and, the value and norms they taught you. Always remember that you can’t disappoint your parents if you love them.
7. Leave for somewhere safe if you feel unsafe at a party.
-Plan the night out. You can consider:
1. Telling your parents where you are going and how you are getting there as well as how you will come back home. Make sure to thoroughly discuss it with your parents.
2. Having a plan B if plan A fails.
3. Decide on a drink limit and stick to it. Once you have reached your limit, occupy your hands with soft drink and water so that you don’t get tempted to consume more alcohol.
Avoid shouting or drinking games. You are likely to make silly decision when drunk or high.
4. Not leaving your drinks unattended, don’t take your eyes off your drink and for any reason, you step out leaving your drink behind, when you come back, do not take that drink again. It could have been drugged or poisoned, you can never tell.
-Avoid potentially violent situation. You can:
1. Pace yourself so that you don’t lose control as a result of using alcohol or other drugs.
2. Decide with your friends beforehand to look out for each other.
3. Don’t get into a verbal argument if someone aggressively confronts you, walk away instead.
4. Don’t go off with a person you’ve only just met. Stay in the public area or place. If a stranger shows interest, you exchange phone numbers.
-If you want to host a home party, you may find the following suggestions helpful:
1. Insist that the party is “invitation only” to reduce the risk of gate-crashers.
2. Indicate clearly on invitation if the party is alcohol free or if alcohol will be provided. Indicate if cigarette smoking is allowed. State firmly that illegal drugs are not allowed.
3. Make sure there are responsible adults around to monitor the party.
4. Make sure that you, your parents and any other responsible adult around remains sober throughout the party.
5. Serve plenty of food. Guest are more likely to get drunk on an empty stomach. Ensure the food is not salty, it may encourage guest to drink more.
6. Be vigilant if you have a swimming pool; intoxicated guest may fall.
7. Ensure that the guest safety leaves your house when the party is over.
