Beach Week is a time at the end of the school year when high school students want to get away from all of the pressures of finals, grades and graduation commitments. More often than not, this is an unchaperoned event. For some it is the last chance to be with friends before everyone heads in many different directions. For others it is the opportunity to act anonymously using alcohol, drugs, and sex to celebrate the end of school.
One study looked at the behaviors of senior girls at beach week. The outcomes were compelling. Eighty-two percent of the girls who had sex during that week did so while they were drunk. Seventy-five percent of the girls reported daily drunkenness. Sixty-four percent reported that they drank eight or more beers/wine during a typical beach week party. Fifteen percent of respondents (9/59) stated that medical attention was necessary for themselves or a close friend because of injuries or medical problems while they were drunk or high during beach week.
Natalie Holloway was on a Beach Week vacation when she was abducted. Part of the appeal of Aruba is its 18 drinking age.
Another tragedy was the North Carolina college student beach house fire that killed seven. While we await the final report, many suspect that the victims had been drinking heavily and could not escape the fire after a night of partying.
There are a lot of considerations to think about when considering Beach Week.
-Is this a child who will take risks when not supervised?
-Is this a child who has modeled responsibility even when others have behaved irresponsibly?
-Do the activities of Beach Week coincide with your family values?
-Have the kids planning the trip considered the variety of high risk outcomes associated with Beach Week?
Check out some tips for talking to teens about Beach Week. Make sure you are comfortable and confident in your family's decision.
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