Things to know for grad party season

June brings warmer weather, high school graduations and an increase of parties celebrating the end of school.

These parties continue through the summer although they do get smaller in size, according to Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter McIsaac.

For some parents it can lead to worry when their teens are heading out for the night. Others might be wondering if it is a good idea to host a party themselves, especially if they know some of the underage guests might be drinking alcohol.

Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Peter McIsaac said there are ways you can protect yourself and your children from some of the risks associated with these types of parties.

For parents of teens heading out to parties:

• Know where your teen is: get the address, a contact phone number and the names of the parents or guardians who are in charge that evening.

• Talk to your children: keeping an open dialogue with your teen so they know they can turn to you if they need to and teach them about some of the dangers associated with binge drinking.

• Regularly check their phones and devices: knowing what plans are being made might help stop a tragedy.

For parents wanting to host a party for their teen:

• Don’t supply youth with liquor: underage drinkers are inexperienced and you could be held responsible if something happens to them when they leave your property.

• Stay at the party: having an adult there can deter youth or young adults not invited to the party from crashing it.

• Don’t do it, opt for safe grad events instead: “It’s a dangerous venture for one to put themselves in,” McIsaac warned.

There are also some tips teens can follow to help them celebrate their graduations safely and responsibly:

• Plan ahead for all possible scenarios: go with people, tell your parents/guardian who you are going with, make a plan with a trusted adult if something goes wrong at the party or you don’t feel comfortable.

• Stick together: stay with your friends, never leave a party alone or with a stranger, never leave a friend alone at a party.

• Arrange your sober ride ahead of time: knowing who is going to be your sober driver taking you to the party and picking you up is important.

• Remember the law: drinking alcohol under the age of 19 is illegal and could result in fines is caught by police.

• Never get behind the wheel or in the car with someone who has been drinking or doing drugs.

nicole.sullivan@cbpost.com