Monthly Parent Resource Guide – June

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Parent Guide: Safe Prom, Graduation & Summer

Helping Teens Celebrate Safely & Make Healthy Choices

This guide is brought to you through a partnership between the Carmel Central School District, the Prevention Council of Putnam, and the Carmel Communities That Care Coalition, united by a shared mission: to educate and empower parents and caregivers with accurate, practical information to help keep children safe and healthy.

Why This Matters

Prom, graduation, and summer are exciting milestones, but also higher-risk times for alcohol, substance use, and unsafe decisions. Your guidance matters. Parents are one of the strongest influences on teen behavior.

Start with Communication

  • Talk early and often. Small, frequent conversations are more effective than one “big talk.”
  • Keep it open, calm, and nonjudgmental to build trust.
  • Make expectations clear: no underage drinking or drug use.
  • Create a safe space so your teen knows they can come to you for help.

Prom and Graduation Safety Tips 

  • Know the plan: where your teen is going, with whom, and when they’ll be home.
  • Confirm transportation: ensure a designated driver or safe ride.
  • Discuss risks of impaired driving.
  • Connect with other parents to align expectations.
  • Consider hosting or encouraging alcohol and drug-free celebrations.

Safe Summer

  • Summer is when many teens first try alcohol or substances.
  • Less structure + more independence = increased risk-taking.

Protective steps:

  • Set clear rules and curfews
  • Stay involved and check in regularly
  • Encourage supervised activities (sports, jobs, volunteer, camps)

Know the Risks

  • Teen brains are still developing until about age 25. Substances can affect memory, learning, and decision-making.
  • Substance use is linked to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
  • Early use increases the risk of long-term substance problems.

Build Refusal and Safety Skills

  • Practice what to say: “No thanks, I’m good.”
  • Help your teen create an exit plan (call/text code for a ride home).
  • Encourage choosing friends and activities that support healthy choices.

Watch for Warning Signs

  • Sudden behavior changes, secrecy, or new friend groups
  • Declining school performance
  • Changes in mood, sleep, or health

Early action and conversation can make a difference. Strong relationships, clear expectations, and ongoing conversations are the most powerful tools to keep teens safe.

Key message to share with teens

“I care about your safety and your future. If something doesn’t feel right, you can always call me, no questions asked in the moment.”

Local Resources and Support

The Prevention Council of Putnam: 845-225-4646

Free confidential information and referral.

Student Assistance Services Counseling Center: Carmel High School Satellite Clinic: 914-874-1660

Services are provided by experienced licensed professionals in English and Spanish. 

Trusted Sources and Resources

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