Simply by virtue of their age and lack of experience, young people are apt to do stupid and risky things.
There’s no getting around that fact.
And there’s no getting around the fact that no matter how much we as parents, older siblings and teachers warn young people not to do those harmful activities, they’re going to find a way to get themselves in trouble. Unprotected sex. Binge drinking. Illicit drugs. Teenagers are doing those things, whether we like it or not.
So if we can’t stop them from taking those risks, what can we do to protect them?
That’s where the P.A.R.T.Y. Program comes in.
Standing for Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth, the program aims to help protect teenagers from making mistakes that will affect the rest of their lives. Knowing that teens are going to engage in risky behaviour no matter how much they’re told not to, the program takes an informational approach to reducing the effects of that behaviour.
Essentially, the idea is to present to young people what could happen if risky behaviour goes awry, with the hope that when the time comes, they take a step back and maybe reconsider going through with their plans.
It’s a very good idea to have such a program in place — especially one that seeks only to provide information without any attached judgment.
The last thing a young person wants is to be preached to like they are too young and don’t understand the world.
It’s much better to tell it like it is and treat young people like they are mature, responsible people, even if their actions don’t reflect that.
If we’re giving them information about what dangers lurk out there, they’ll be better prepared to react appropriately when presented with those dangers.
And as much as information is good, it’s better when it’s coupled with actual, tangible repercussions young people can see for themselves.
So if you’re worried your young son or daughter is acting too dangerously and you want them to be safe, look into the P.A.R.T.Y. Program.
It may not stop your child from engaging in risky behaviour, but at least they’ll be prepared for what they’ll encounter outside the home.
After all, knowing is half the battle.
