Safer partying

Parties can be an opportunity for your teenager to socialise and explore their independence. But, you may have questions about who is attending, who is supervising and if alcohol will be provided.

teen girls blowing sparkles

If you have concerns it can be helpful to:

Contact the host to find out what sort of party it’s going to be

Some good questions to ask the host parent/guardian are:

  • How old are the people attending?
  • Will there be supervision and how many adults will be supervising?
  • Will there be alcohol? Food?
  • Is there a plan to prevent gate crashers?
  • When will the party start and end?

Take the opportunity to talk to your teenager about your expectations:

  • whether they are allowed to drink or not
  • what time they need to be home by
  • how they’re getting home.

Support your young person with safer partying tips

If your teenager is attending a party, this is an ideal time to support them with information to reduce potential harm

Planning a safe teen party

So, the party is going to be at your house…

There are some steps you can take to make it safer for everyone.

Be clear with your teenager whether drinking will be allowed or not. Whatever you decide, make sure to tell parents/guardians ahead of time.

Safer party checklist:

  • Will alcohol be served? If yes:
    • inform parents/guardians
    • check your state or territory’s secondary supply laws for anyone attending under 18.
  • Will smoking/vaping be allowed?
  • Illegal drugs: plan your response if someone brings other drugs to the party. Planning ahead will make things less stressful if this situation arises.
  • Guests: confirm number and names of guests invited.
  • Inform others: including neighbours, parents, and police (if you choose to register your party with the local police)
  • Food and, non-alcoholic drinks and water: make sure enough snacks and water are provided, this can help prevent attendees getting too drunk or becoming unwell if they consume alcohol.
  • Security: is the home/venue secure to prevent gate crashers?
  • Transport: if guests have been drinking, make sure they don’t drive. Encourage guests who are drinking to use ride share services, taxis or have parents/guardians pick them up. Plan some space for guests to sleep over if they can’t get home safely.
  • Adult supervisors: will other parents/adults be supervising?
  • Accidents and emergencies: have a plan for what to do if someone injures themselves, becomes unwell, or behaves inappropriately. This includes:
    • having a first aid kit on hand
    • designating a room for rest and recovery, if someone needs some space/privacy, or rest
    • having parent/guardian phone numbers saved
    • in an emergency, call triple zero (000) – leave space in the driveaway or nearby the house/venue for emergency services to access if needed.