Chief of Police
110 Loon Hill Road
Dracut, MA 01826
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Dracut Police Department Provides Prom Safety Tips
DRACUT — As prom season is upon us, Chief Peter Bartlett and the Dracut Police Department are providing the following safety tips and guidance for students and parents to ensure a positive and safe experience for all.
The Dracut High School prom will take place on Thursday, May 26 at DoubleTree by Hilton in Danvers.
The senior prom can be one of the most memorable and exciting events of a student’s high school career, but for parents, it can be a stressful time that is full of worry. Students should remember their decisions can have long-term consequences not just for themselves but for their friends and family as well.
Chief Bartlett asks that parents reinforce the importance of good decision making with their children and facilitate conversations often and regularly about potentially destructive choices.
“Prom should be a fun evening for everyone involved, but that also means staying safe and making good decisions,” Chief Bartlett said. “This is especially true when it comes to travel and transportation. Do not text and drive, and never get into a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other drugs. A split-second decision could make all the difference in the world.”
Students — Stay safe before, during, and after the prom:
- Think responsibly: Don’t feel pressured to take part in inappropriate behavior — prior, during, or after the dance. It’s OK to say no, even if others are participating.
- Travel safely: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. Always buckle up, no matter how short the trip. It’s the law.
- Don’t text and drive. Texting and cellphone use while driving is illegal for Massachusetts teens under 18 years old.
- Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get in a car with a driver who has been drinking
- Be alert: Dating violence is an issue that can affect anybody — those in a long-term relationship, or people who just met. Abuse can be verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual. Know beforehand what your boundaries are and communicate those to your partner. Where ever you go after prom, don’t be afraid to tell a family member, friend, or call 911 if you or someone you know is abused or in danger.
- Possession, Use, Purchase, or Distribution of Alcohol and Marijuana is Illegal for Minors.
Parents — You play a major role in helping children have a safe, yet memorable evening:
- Communicate: Have a pre-prom talk to set guidelines for students during prom and remind them of the consequences for breaking the rules. Reinforce that you will not tolerate underage drinking, and that’s it’s illegal. Get students’ itineraries for the evening, including whom they will be with, where they’ll be going before and after the prom, and the phone numbers of where you can contact them. Come to a fair decision on a curfew and express any concerns about their health and safety.
- If students are not coming home right after prom, set up check-in times throughout the night and following morning.
- Plan ahead: After prom parties should be adult supervised. Students are recommended to always go with a buddy and notify parents or guardians where they’ll be and how to reach them.
- Adults should not let teens drink at home, even if no one plans to drive and keys are confiscated. Keep alcohol and prescription drugs in a locked cabinet.
- Under the Social Host law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their houses.
- Be understanding: Let students know they can call you at any time for help, advice or a ride with the promise to not shame or embarrass them in front of others.
- Establish a code word your teen can say to let you know if they are in trouble or need your help.
The Dracut Police Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable prom season!
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