Each year thousands of students rush to escape their normal environments and descend upon vacation spots across the world to enjoy Spring Break. The phenomenon has become a rite of passage for high schoolers and college students alike. Some use the time to help others—mission trips or service trips to underdeveloped or underprivileged areas. Others are simply looking for some downtime in warmer climates. Whatever the reason for the get-away, parents and students need to both be prepared for hazards on the trip.
1. Students DO need adult supervision. If you question whether or not this is true, Google (but don’t watch!) “Girls Gone Wild” and see how many hits you get. These videos depict a ton of unsupervised, under-aged students acting in ways that would make Hugh Hefner blush. The part of the adolescent brain that help them consider consequences and use good judgment isn’t fully developed until approximately age 25, some studies even say age 30. Throw alcohol into the mix and it’s a cocktail for trouble. Parents need to be a presence to monitor what their students are doing, who their students are with, and where their students are going.
2. Think before you ink. Many students often decide to commemorate the trip with a tattoo. There are a few things to consider before you take the plunge. Be sure you really want to put your selected design on your body permanently. While tattoos can be removed, it is not an easy process. Also, think carefully about where you put it. Will you make the best impression on your first job interview after college graduation with barbed wire tattooed around your neck? Maybe, but maybe not. Also, check to make sure the tattoo parlor is clean and ask about the cleanliness of their instruments. If it looks like it’s been a while since the place was cleaned, find another parlor.
3. Watch your drink and watch how much you drink. Never take your hand or your eyes off your drink. Also, don’t allow someone else to bring you a drink other than the waitress. There are too many instances where someone has slipped a drug into someone else’s drink and the horror story begins to unfold. Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, someone can easily slip something into your Arnold Palmer or soft drink. An ounce of prevention is priceless. Also, watch how much you drink. Being intoxicated in an unfamiliar place is a recipe for disaster. Judgment skills are inhibited when alcohol is involved, so avoid drinking more than you can handle. Remember, one drink is considered once 8 oz. beer, one 8 oz. glass of wine, one shot, or one mixed drink. Drunk driving isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. If someone sees that you are intoxicated, you are a prime target for theft, rape, or worse.
4. Never go alone. The last time you thought about the buddy system may have been in elementary school, but the rhyme behind the reason can come in handy during Spring Break. Make sure someone has your back and is looking out for your best interests. It’s a good idea to have someone in your group who will not be drinking so that their judgment skills are clear and focused. Don’t go anywhere with people you don’t know and don’t walk anywhere alone.
Spring break can be a great time to make memories and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Be aware of the risks, be aware of your surroundings, and take some friends with you help you enjoy the journey!
