Switched-On Magazine

The school year is coming to a close and during that time seniors are anticipating an event that they've been hearing about since they were kids - PROM!  Everyone gets excited for prom as it approaches.  Who wouldn't?  You might get the date of your dreams or just be with your friends one last time.

But with prom come some common dangers.  Everyone knows it is a time where teenagers can do things that endanger their safety - sex, drugs and alcohol. Some kids feel a lot of pressure to have sex for the first time.  Others experiment with drugs and alcohol because it's a special event.  The result can be winding up in situations that cause shame or regret on the night that you're supposed to remember forever.  A big factor in date rapes is drinking or doing drugs.  After drinking alcohol, one in seven 16-to-24-year-olds have had unprotected sex, while one in five have had sex that they regretted. One in 10 has been unable to remember if they had sex the night before.  Aterwards, the victim may feel shame and not know who he or she can confide in.  Talking to a trusted friend is one way to go.  There are also rape hotlines that can help.  It may be worthwhile to talk with your date before prom and set boundaries.

Teen drinking and driving can cause a lot of heartache as well.  First off, you're not supposed to be drinking if you're in high school!  But let's be real - underage drinking happens, and it may be your ride who had a few drinks.  Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, even if it's your date.  Sometimes parents have a bargain with their teenagers that they can call home at any time of day or night to be picked up with no questions asked.  Take advantage of it - your parents want you to be safe!