Police are urging parents to encourage their children to drink responsibly at the traditional after-ball functions, which they say have the potential spiral out of control if not properly supervised.
Southern police district youth services district co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Jane Whitmore said most pupils attend an after-ball function, usually organised by the pupils themselves, and parents needed to step up and encourage them to act and behave responsibly at these gatherings.
Students, police, road safety and public health representatives have developed a set of guidelines to ensure both pupils and parents can "take ownership" of their event.
The guidelines include limiting the quantity of alcohol permitted, providing plenty of food, arranging security staff, sufficient parental supervision, and providing entertainment and arrangements for transport home afterwards.
Many Otago and Southland schools have implemented the guidelines and the benefits had been instantly apparent, Snr Sgt Whitmore said.
"The result has been responsible partying and drinking with little incident."It was important for parents to set a good example to children of responsible drinking, she said.
"Attending parties may be part of a young persons' entry into adulthood and parents need to help their children through that stage in their life.
"Parental involvement through talking and listening, agreeing on ground rules, ensuring supervision and transport is satisfactory and agreeing on a plan for the night will help a young person get through the night safely," she said.
The law states a person under 18 can drink alcohol in a private home or at a private function.
It is legal for someone aged under 18 to bring liquor to a party as long as it was given to them by their parent or guardian.
Top tips for a safe after-ball party:
• Liaise with police and school officials when planning your event
• Develop a budget and look at sponsorship options
• Find and book a suitable venue and try to keep this venue secret
• Ensure venue has toilets, kitchen, rubbish facilities and cellphone coverage in case of emergencies
• Set an agreed finish time and confirm this with police
• Limit numbers to event
• Arrange suitable security at the door and police presence during the event
• Arrange transport for all ticket holders
• Ensure sufficient food and non-alcoholic drinks are available
• Set and publicise a limit of alcohol to be made available (should be no more than six cans of beer or four Ready to Drink cans (RTDs) per person
