10 Must Discuss Items Before Your Teen Heads Off on Spring Break
Plan ahead
10 "Must Discuss" Items Before Your Teen Heads Off on Spring Break by Maya Cohen
Spring break is no longer just for college students. This annual ritual has trickled down to high-schoolers, many of whom are now attending parties and vacations without adult supervision. Before your teen heads off for fun in the sun, make sure you have an in-depth discussion involving safety and rules.
1. Help your child research and plan his trip.
This spring break, the best way to stay in-the-know is to stay heavily involved in planning the vacation. Make sure that you review your child's travel and board arrangements, and offer him tips for making smart decisions. If your child is traveling with a group of friends, stay in touch with the other parents to confirm that you are all on the same page.
2. Ensure that your teen will be accessible by telephone or email.
Provide your child with a cell phone or phone cards, and settle on specific times when you expect him to check in with you. Many kids are excited by the prospect of shedding parental supervision during spring break, but they need to realize that their parents still hold them accountable. Make it clear to your child that you expect him to report on his daily activities and whereabouts. Additionally, make sure you have all of the travel data and hotel contact information, as well as the phone numbers of your kid's travel buddies, in case you cannot reach your child.
Talk about drugs and alcohol
3. Talk to your child about drinking.
Parents often feel apprehensive about raising this subject, but it is imperative that you encourage your teen to make responsible choices regarding alcohol on spring break. Even children who don't typically drink may be encouraged to do so in this type of adult-free environment. Spring-break parties are often sponsored by liquor companies, and alcohol may be widely available -- even to teens who have not reached the legal drinking age. Excessive alcohol consumption is often a factor in accidents, rapes, injuries, arrests, and deaths during spring break. Reckless behavior and disorderly conduct are also linked to drinking, as we all know, so emphasize to your child the importance of avoiding alcohol while on vacation.
4. Talk to your child about "roofies."
Illicit use of Rohypnol has been reported at popular spring-break locations. Also known as "roofies" or "the date rape drug," Rohypnol is surreptitiously slipped into a victim's drink, and can render the victim helpless or unconscious. Tell your teen she should never leave a drink unattended. When temporarily leaving a table, she should entrust a friend to look after her food and drinks until she returns.
Safety issues
5. Encourage your child to always travel with a buddy.
Have your child enlist a trustworthy friend to act as a buddy over the course of spring break. Suggest that they make a pact to always stay together, watch out for one another, and be responsible for one another's well-being.
6. Register foreign travel.
If your teen is traveling outside of the United States, register him at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This service is provided free-of-charge by the U.S. government. This simple step will allow the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to locate your child in the event of an emergency.
Local laws and emergency numbers
7. Make sure your child knows the law.
Many teens venture outside of the U.S. for spring break, to places where the tolerance for underage drinking may be more lenient, or the drinking age may be lower than in the U.S. However, your child should understand that, when abroad, he will be subject to foreign law. Research the legal rules and regulations in the destination country, and make sure your child knows what they are. Many countries have more stringent judicial systems than the United States.
8. Provide your child with important emergency contact phone numbers.
You can find a list of emergency contact phone numbers all over the world at www.911dispatch.com/911/911_world.html.
Medical emergencies and saying "no"
9. Equip your child with adequate medical documentation.
Provide your child with his health insurance card. If he is under age 18, give him a letter of permission to receive treatment in the event of a medical emergency.
10. You can say, "No!"
Remember: You are the parent. If you are uncomfortable with your child's arrangements, or feel that he may be putting himself in danger, you should deny him permission. You can suggest the safer and more fulfilling option of an "alternative spring break," which is becoming more popular with active youths around the country. Alternative spring breaks offer kids volunteer opportunities, typically associated with humanitarian or environmental organizations. This type of spring break can leave a teen feeling more satisfied than a party vacation with friends.
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