Tips for Hosting Teen Parties

·         It's the first day of summer and that means BBQ's and parties! Read these tips on how to have a safe teen party from bethewall.org

• Utilize a location that has clear entrances and exits, such as your home or a community center. If there are multiple exits, block off all exits you do not want used or utilize other chaperones to block the exits.
• Work with your teen to decide on a guest list ahead of time. Set a limit to the number of people that may attend and make a contingency plan for politely turning away party-crashers. It may be helpful to use the phrase “by invitation only” on the invitation and by the entrance. 
•  On the event invitation, clearly state the beginning and end time, what to bring and what NOT to bring. 
• Discourage teens from going back forth from your home to their car.
• Lock up any alcohol in your home before the party. Ask adults that may be attending the party to leave their alcohol at home for the event. 
•  Provide plenty to keep them entertained. Utilize the television, swimming pool, video games, karaoke machine, etc. Remember different things may entertain different teens. 
• Provide plenty of space for them to just “hang out” comfortably where you can see them but not “hover” over them. 
• Utilize single-serve can instead of disposable cups. DO NOT use a punch bowl or pitchers. 
•   Monitor behavior by circulating around the home and interacting with teens. If you are suspicious of any particular person, don’t single them out. Work with your teen ahead of time to agree upon a course of action should such a situation arise. If it is an uncontrollable situation, don’t be afraid to call the police and/or the teen’s parents.
• Never let a teen that you believe to be impaired leave your home. 
• Remember- there is a Putnam County Social Host Liability Law which is a misdemeanor. If you serve alcohol to minors you could be subject to up to one year in jail, a $3,000 fine, reimbursement for law enforcement services. If an accident occurs because a teen was drinking at your home and drove impaired, the monetary costs will be even higher.  Remember a life could be lost.