Halloween Tips for Teens

This Halloween weekend is a popular party time for teens. Here are some tips that can help family members protect each other while celebrating safely. For example, you could host a sober costume party in your home that will help you to control the environment and keep your kids safe. Many drugs, especially fentanyl, are being smuggled in the country via common candy wrappers and candy look alike pills, so be vigilant and keep your eye out. If your teen is going to a party, know where they are going and call the parent/host to make sure they will be supervising. Below are some additional ideas to prepare for this weekend.

Tips:

• Ask your teens to invite friends over to watch scary movies and hand out candy.

• If a friend is driving, make sure he/she is sober and alert.

• Hug your kids when they get home by doing a “smell check” and make sure they’re sober.

• Be extra careful on the road.

• Have information on ride services like Uber or Lyft.

• Don’t eat any open or unwrapped food or candy and always wait outside someone’s home.

• Consider drug testing your teen regularly. CYS offers tests, which includes a 14-panel drug test including alcohol, plus a nicotine test. It’s a great tool to help get them out of sticky situations when kids ask them to try something. They can use the excuse “I can’t use, my parents said they will drug test me tonight when I get home and I can’t chance getting my car or phone taken away, etc.” Call (949) 303-9016 to order and pick up your drug test kits.

“Teens whose parents talk with them regularly about drugs and alcohol are 42% less likely to use substances than those whose parents don't.”