The Newtown High School Prom is Friday night, and hundreds of teenagers in gowns and tuxedoes will drive off into the evening, some in stretch limos, assuming a level of social sophistication their parents probably haven’t achieved in years. They certainly will look like they’ve got it all together. But will they manage to keep it all together through the long prom night? Specifically, will the young prom revelers make good decisions about alcohol and drugs, about sex, and about risky behavior in general as the night wears on toward morning? These are the questions on every parent’s mind.

Parents can take some solace in knowing that not only do their kids look sophisticated as they head out on prom night – they are sophisticated. They have received more accurate information and training on sex, drugs, and abusive behaviors to themselves and others than their baby boomer parents ever got. And while the today’s culture is rife with music, films, and magazines all aimed at youth that push the envelope of what is generally considered responsible, the fact remains that most kids are responsible, considerate of others, and mindful of the line that separates fun from fiasco.

While our first impulse may always be to exhort teenagers on prom night to be responsible and safe, parents cannot forget the role they must play. This year, for the first time in many years, there is no officially sanctioned after-prom party where teens can carry on their prom night celebrations to dawn – as is the tradition – in a fun and safe environment. So this year there will be only private after-prom parties at the homes of kids throughout town. We hope that all parents know in this day and age that the so-called lock-in party has been thoroughly discredited. (Lock-in parties are parties where adults collect car keys and allow teenagers to drink freely, believing that providing a haven for substance abuse is somehow a virtue.) Parents need to give their kids the space and freedom to celebrate. The school year has been long and hard, and they deserve a night to let loose. Heavy-handed chaperoning is no fun for either the parents or the kids. But in any household where an after-prom party is planned this year, there should be a clear understanding between parents and kids that there is to be no alcohol or drugs, no sex, and no behavior that is disrespectful of others. The kids should understand that if they don’t want to enforce these rules themselves, their parents will.

With that said, let the prom revels begin. We wish everyone attending the 2001 NHS prom a memorable evening of good friends, good food, and good music. And when the sun comes up Saturday morning, we expect everyone will be thoroughly exhausted, and we hope everyone will be safe and happy.