Teenage gatherings provide young people with important opportunities to interact and build on their social skills and experiences.

Celebrations, partying, and socialising are a fundamental rite of passage and one of the most important aspects of a young person’s life. However, the best young person can get carried away by their peers and the euphoria of the moment.

For parents and caregivers, keeping your young person safe can at times feel daunting and is often a compromise and a challenge. Most teenagers try to do the right thing most of the time, but your leadership as a role model is crucial. Your child may appear to be physically large and mature, but this is not necessarily matched by their emotional maturity and responsibility in behaviour.

Every party has the potential to get out of hand sometimes and it’s hard for young partygoers to make good decisions. Communication and regular discussions are vital, particularly because young people are often faced with peer pressure to do things they prefer not to engage in. Hosting a celebration at home or a venue can be a fun and memorable event but it is important to agree on the ground rules well before your event is announced to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on.

If hosting an event, you owe your guests a ‘duty of care’ and should ensure all reasonable steps are taken to keep partygoers safe. This Special Report provides caregivers with a list of things to consider when planning a celebration.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the well-being of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://tgc.nz.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-guide-safe-partying