Parents’ Guide to Teen Safety During the Festive Social Scene

Ah, the festive season in South Africa where the sun’s shining, the braais are sizzling, and the celebrations are in full swing. It’s a time of holiday fun and togetherness, but for parents, it also means keeping an eye out for the safety of their teenagers as they navigate the social scene, says Antonella Dési.

The festive season is upon us, and it is a fun time for families, filled with joy and merriment. However, it also comes with a touch of worry for parents with teenagers and the whirlwind of holiday parties and gatherings that they attend.

As the tinsel goes up and the lights start to twinkle, it’s prime time for parents to ensure their young adults are clued up on staying safe while making the most of the celebrations.

Spiked drinks

Spiked drinks pose a serious threat to teenagers on the party scene, turning celebrations into potential hazards. Beyond the immediate risk of substance ingestion, spiked drinks can impair judgment and leave teenagers vulnerable to exploitation, human trafficking, and sexual assault.

More widespread than commonly believed, drink spiking is a significant issue on South Africa’s party scene, as highlighted by the TEARS Foundation – an organisation that provides a nationwide survivor-centered service, free of charge, for those who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

Mara Glennie, Founder and CEO of the TEARS Foundation, says,

“The sad reality is that drink spiking and rape, sexual assault, abuse and violence go hand in hand.”

Vigilance and awareness are key to ensuring your teenager’s wellbeing in social settings.

Advise them to keep their drink in hand at all times, never accept open beverages from strangers, and be cautious about leaving their drink unattended. You can also buy them a PHUZA STRIP to keep in their handbag or wallet – it is a kit that allows you to quickly and easily test if your drink has been spiked.

If your teenager should start feeling dizzy, nauseous, sleepy, confused, have blurred vision, slurred speech and have trouble with basic motor skills, they need to know that they must seek help immediately. This is what should be done if they suspect that they or a friend has fallen victim to drink spiking:

1. Inform a trusted individual immediately, like a friend, venue staff, or host, about the situation.
2. Move to a safe location, ensuring a trustworthy person is with you.
3. Keep a vigilant eye on the individual whose drink was spiked and call for help.
4. Call for an ambulance if their condition worsens (e.g., loss of consciousness).
5. Report the suspected drink spiking incident to the police as soon as you can.

Also read: GBV- the shame of SA

Ride sharing

Ridesharing services like Uber offer a valuable resource for South African teens and their parents. It’s a convenient way for them to travel when public transport isn’t an option. For over-18s, it eliminates the temptation to drink and drive, allowing them to enjoy time with friends worry-free.

However, as parents, the irony isn’t lost on us; after years of warning our kids about talking to strangers, we now encourage them to hop into cars with unfamiliar drivers, all in the name of convenience and safety.

For teens embarking on the journey of ride-sharing with platforms, safety should be a top priority. Here’s some tips for your teen:

• Verify the driver’s details: Check the photo, name, and car model against the information provided in the app. This simple step ensures you’re entering the right vehicle and with the right driver. Always ask the driver’s name before you give yours. Follow the safety instructions offered by the service.
• Check the driver’s rating: Before confirming the ride, check the driver’s rating and opt always for higher-rated drivers for a more reliable experience.
• Buddy system: Always try to travel with friends and utilise the buddy system whenever possible.
• Share your trip: Before hopping in, share your trip details with a trusted friend or family member using the app’s share trip feature.
• Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to cancel the ride or ask to be dropped off in a populated area.
• Limit personal information: Keep conversation with the driver friendly, yet cautious.
• Wait indoors: Wait for your ride in well-lit areas, preferably indoors, and stay aware of your surroundings throughout the journey.
• Be aware of your phone: Never wait for your ride on the pavement, holding your phone out – many phones have been grabbed and stolen in this manner.

Pro tip: Download the Life360 app on your and your teen’s cell phone. The Life360 app is designed to help families stay connected and safe. It can be used to track loved ones, receive notifications if they need help, and even find them if they get lost.

Also read: The best non-alcoholic drinks
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