|
|
|||||||
High school students are anxious to be independent. Some employ adequate personal safety skills. However, when vacationing without parental supervision, concerns about safety go on vacation too.
Young people often fail to set clear boundaries for expectations concerning physical relationships. Occasionally, they are victimized by sexual predators. They are ill equipped to recognize danger - especially when alcohol is a factor.
Parents who permit teens to vacation without supervision condone high-risk behavior. The justice system's response to victimization is disappointing. We can prevent teen victimization by sending clear messages. Remember, "What we permit, we promote."
One solution might be to organize your own trip with the families of your student's closest friends. Plans might include allowing the students to have their own quarters adjacent to one of the parents. Each family might take turns getting the students to their activity of the day. Perhaps each family could take one night to treat the seniors to a special dinner.
We all know that within a few
short months, our high school seniors will be away at college and making many
decisions without parental input. However, they are still minors. We cannot
forget that they are inexperienced and need transition to be safe in the adult
world. Why take the chance?
|
|