The summer is approaching and teenagers will be getting into anything that seems fun and adventurous. However, everything that may be considered fun is not always the best thing to do. This month I want to give you advice on how to stay safe and still have fun doing so.
During the summer, teenagers get invited to all kinds of parties. Parties are fun, but can become a very dangerous place to be. Some people at these parties try to get other teenagers to take drugs and drink. These things happen all the time. When invited to a party make sure an adult is around just in case something happens. Also remember to say no to drugs that may be presented to you at the party. Drinking is also a bad idea when at a party. Drinking and taking drugs alter your decision making process. This may cause you to drink and drive or get into a situation that you may have avoided while sober. I asked some of my fellow classmates how they would react if someone tried to get them to take drugs or drink.
Well, when I was at a party one time, this guy tried to give me drugs. Luckily, an adult was at the party, so I told on him and got everything straightened out. – Ebony W.
If someone tried to get me to do drugs or drink, I’d just say no [because] that’s what I’ve been taught. – William S.
Another popular thing to do during the summer is to take a road trip with friends. Again taking a road trip may be exciting, but can become fatal if certain precautions are not taken. If you and your friends are planning on taking a road trip, follow these simple rules to keep the trip safe and fun. First and foremost, ask your parents for permission to take this trip. That is the worst situation to put your family in. You should never go on a trip without your parents knowing. Next, you also should make sure that you have a durable vehicle to take the trip in, money to spend for necessities, and a destination. I asked a couple of people if they ever took a road trip or if they would, and how they’d prepared for it.
No, I’ve never taken a road trip. I probably will when I get older. I’d make sure that my parents know where I am and that I’d have a cell phone for emergencies. – Carl S.
Actually, my friends and I are going on a road trip this summer. We plan on going to Las Vegas to see some friends and family members of mine. We all made sure that we saved money for the trip. We’re seniors and we’ve been saving since freshman year. – Jeremy U.
Summer break is considered the most anticipated break to come as soon as school begins. We as teenagers need to take certain precautions to make sure that our break is safe and fun so that we can be around for the next break. Don’t be pressured into doing drugs or alcohol and make sure that your parents are aware of your location at all times. I hope you make the decision to have a fun, adventurous and safe summer and make the necessary changes to do so. If you feel that this article was helpful to you, don't keep it to yourself, spread the word because remember, “The choices YOU make today, shape OUR world tomorrow.”
Also remember to keep reading my column throughout the summer for more TEEN THOUGHTS.
