Welcome Parents!  Thanks for checking out the Safegrad website and for taking an active interest in ensuring the safety and well-being of your teens when it comes to parties.  We hope the information you find here is helpful.  If you'd like to know more about Safegrad and what organizations are involved in this initiative, please see our About Us page.  If you have questions you can't find answers to here, please get in touch with us using the contact information on the About Us page.  And be sure to attend the Parent Forum for information on how to meaningfully communicate with your teens about drugs and alcohol.

Parties, Teens & You
The information below is provided to help ensure that your son's/daughter's party in your home does not get out of hand, and also that she or he arrives home safe from another party she or he might attend. 

I trust my teen! 
...and you should. However, setting reasonable guidelines for behaviour and activity is something that all parents should do. In helping your teen advance into independence it is important to involve your son/daughter in helping to set those standards.   

Parties In Your Home

As a homeowner you are legally responsible for what goes on in your home. As a member of your community, you have a responsibility for what goes on in your neighbourhood. As a parent you have a responsibility to set guidelines for your teen that you can both live by.

Your teen will inevitably feel peer pressure to experiment. That is a part of growing up. As a parent, you too will feel pressure when you face that familiar lament, "all the other parents let their kids do it!".

If Your Son / Daughter Is Hosting a Party
  • Plan together for a SAFE, and fun party. Neither you or your teen want any unexpected surprises.
  • Together, choose where in your house the party will take place.
  • Have a definite start and finish time for the party.
  • Decide in advance how to clear guests from your house when the party is over.
  • Be clear that the parents of any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be notified.
  • Decide in advance how unwelcome guests will be handled.
  • Admit ONLY those guests on an established guest list.
  • Do not allow guests to come and go from your home.
  • Include an activity as part of the evening, eg.skating, movies, dancing, bowling, games, etc.
  • Make sure that alcohol and medication in your home is not accessible to your guests.
  • Discourage the addition of alcohol by providing canned pop or juice rather than a punch bowl.
  • Contact the parents of the invited guests to let them know what will be happening at your house.
Things To Consider
  • You are setting an example for your teen and his/her friends. Responsible, moderate use of alcohol is one of the most important things you can teach them;
  • Getting to know your teen's friends will help you to feel more comfortable when they are in your home and will help them feel more comfortable with adult supervision of their party;
  • Open discussion about the effects of alcohol can have a dramatic impact on a young person's drinking habits and how those habits develop.
For more information on the laws and your responsibilities as a host, see our section The Law & You

Return to Top

If your teen is attending a party
Here are some ideas that parents, police, and the community of Sault Ste. Marie suggest:
  • Know where your teen will be - ask for the address, telephone number and name of the party-giver or where the party is being held;
  • Don't hesitate to call the parents of the teen hosting the party.
  • Offer assistance, clarify the hours, ensure supervision of the party, make certain alcohol and drugs will not be present. (Let your teen know you are doing this beforehand);
  • Make sure your teen has a ride with a designated driver and be a back up if need be. Be clear your teen can call on you (or name someone else) for a ride home;
  • Let your teen know it is okay to call home for a ride under any circumstances, even and especially if they have had any alcohol;
  • Set a curfew. If you are awake or if you ask your teen to wake you when he/she gets home, take the time to talk about the party and show that you care.
  • If your teen stays overnight with a friend it is not unreasonable for you to check with the parents. Check on the fact that they will be home, that you agree on the curfew hours and any other basic rules which should apply.

Why not write up a Call Me Contract with your teen?

A Call Me Contract is a written agreement between family members or friends aimed at preventing drunk driving and its devastating consequences.  The agreement:

  • Defines what is acceptable;
  • Is binding on both of you;
  • Includes a statement that if alcohol has been consumed by your teen or their driver, they can call for a ride home AT ANY TIME.
Check out a sample Call Me Contract


Where to now?
Learn more about Safegrad - Who We Are
Check out what's going on - What's Happening
See the info available on this site for your teen and you:
Reality Check
Getting Ready
Deadly Stuff