Spring Break is just around the corner!

According to PersonalSafetyExpert.com, more than 1.5 million students go on “spring break” each year. AMAZING numbers!

As coeds descend upon the hot, sunny and party-laden locations around the country (and outside of it) we wanted to take a look at some easy-to-implement strategies to make sure Spring Break festivities remain fun, but safe. Some of these may be obvious – but read them through with your teen and discuss what can go wrong so that everything can go right!

Getting There: 

1.      The majority of Spring Breakers travel to their destination by car – some traveling considerable distances to get to where they want to be. Try to avoid driving long stretches of time overnight.  If you have to, make sure there is someone in the car who stays awake to prevent the driver from falling asleep.  Switch driver’s frequently to avoid driver fatigue. Discuss the importance not texting and driving – or taking selfies or pictures! Agree to have the driver pass their phone to someone else as they click their seat-belt and avoid the temptation to use it!

 2.      If travels take your teen outside of the country or on a long flight remind them to be sure to bring snacks with them to keep them going through a day of travel. Long hours in airports and on airplanes can make finding affordable, healthy food difficult. Remind them to help themselves out by planning ahead and having some of those snack options with them. A party likely awaits them at their destination – they should not arrive dehydrated and with an empty stomach. Remind them they will be on the wrong foot before they even start their time away!

3.   Make sure friends/family at home know where your teens are going and what the itinerary is. Make sure parents have an address and phone number of where the teens will be staying, and make sure parents have the names and phone numbers (and the other PARENT’s names and phone numbers) of those closest to your teen while they are away.

While There: 

1.      Remind your kids to be smart about their hotel room. Keep passports, extra money and other important items in the safe in the room, not out in the open.

2.      Discuss with your kids – Do not give your room key or information about where you are staying to people you have just met. You never know what someone’s intentions may be. Talk to your teen about not making assumptions based on looks – or even initial dialog. There are so many people with ill-intent! Don’t allow your sons to foolishly think this does not apply to them!

3.      Remind your kids to practice safe drinking. Yes, alcohol can be a big part of spring break (ugh!) – so discus if they drink, be smart about it. RULES –  Don’t accept drinks you didn’t see get made right in front of you. Watch your glass if it has an open top and try to avoid putting it down and leaving it unattended. Choose one friend each night to be a responsible drinker: they will drink minimally so they can keep an eye out for everyone else. And drink bottled water between drinks! Discuss with your teen quantities and amounts, and repercussions!

 4.      Never leave a party alone or with someone you just met. If it is not possible to leave an event with a friend, make sure your friends know you are leaving, where you are going, and who you are going with. Most parents are absolutely OK to be called at any hour and keep you company on the phone while you take a cab back to the hotel! Make a plan on all kinds of scenarios, not only with parents before you leave, but with your friends before you go out for the day/night!

Getting Home: 

1.      About 50% of Spring Breakers report going at least 24 hrs without sleeping. Make sure they are well rested, hydrated and have eaten before heading back out onto the road. Fatigue causes accidents just as readily as driving while under the influence. Don’t forget for the driver to hand off their cell phone to a passenger to avoid temptation to use!

2.      Remind your teen to inform friends and family when they are leaving/flight times so you can have an idea about when you can expect them to be home. 

Spring Break is a time to let loose, relax and de-stress! Make sure your kids are staying safe while doing so! For more Spring Break safety tips visit www.personalsafetyexpert.com.