Teenagers and nightlife: 5 tips for when they start to go out at night
When our teenage children start asking us to go out with friends to have fun at night and enjoy nightlife What they offer in nightclubs, parties, etc., is when parents are afraid that they can start using toxic substances such as tobacco, alcohol and the various drugs on the market.
In the juvenile stage is when there is more risk of initiating the consumption of toxic substances. Young people need to be independent, reject the protection of adults and They feel the attraction of facing situations of risk. There are studies that indicate that half of young people start smoking and drinking alcohol before age 16.
5 recommendations for when they start to go out at night
1. Try to establish good communication with them about this theme. Although parents should admit that many times they know more about the risks of using these substances than we do. It is very important that we show them that we trust in their responsibility.
2. Know how to say "no" to some of their demands that we do not think convenient. For example, establishing limits in relation to the time of returning or preventing them from going to certain places or areas, can mean a "hard" negotiation, complaining with arguments like the parents of their friends do let them go or return home later .
3. Set ages and permits to leave. In general, it is advisable to let them go out alone after 12 years in the afternoon, but at night from the age of 16 when they have finished high school. This is the legal age to access some places that have more limited hours that can go from 18 years.
4. Know the friends with whom our children relate. One way to do it is with the excuse of inviting them to our house to celebrate the anniversary, for an informal dinner, etc.
5. Organize the "logistics" of how they will return home. One way is to agree with other parents to pick them up, schedule which parents to play in other night outings, etc. In this way we can know the premises that go and with which friends come out.
As parents, we must make sure that they know the consequences of not respecting the limits and risks mentioned, since not respecting them may mean that they face unwanted situations for themselves or their parents.
Mercedes Corbella. Psychologist and diploma in Social Work.
