Parents Send Safety Reminders on Prom Night via Text Message - Will Kids Listen?
by Darla Mack
I’ve been reading about the PRM TXT campaign for awhile now, and for some strange reason I’m filled with so many mixed emotions regarding it.
PRM TXT (Prom Text) is a campaign lead by The Century Council to remind teens to stay safe and alcohol-free on prom night and to encourage a dialogue between parents and teens about the dangers of underage drinking.
“We encourage parents to talk to their teen over and over again, especially on prom night, and remind them that underage drinking is illegal and unsafe,” says Susan Molinari, Chairman, The Century Council. “Text messaging allows parents to reinforce with their teens how serious this issue is and how much parents care. And we know parents make a difference. But the prom text messaging initiative is not limited to only parents. Grandparents, siblings, friends - anyone can visit www.prmtxt.org and send a text message to someone they care about on prom night. We were very energized by last year’s participation in this initiative and hope to reach even more teens with this important message.”
It is a good campaign, but lets tackle this on different angles. As the rebellious teen… who in the world wants to receive a text message from their parents on prom night? It’s bad enough if I’m 10 minutes late missing curfew my cell phone will beep hysterically from a worried parent. Will I answer it? If I’m a responsible teen I might then again if I were responsible I would have been home on time.
As a parent, I understand the need for modern technology to relate to our kids… but I don’t want to be the “cool” mom. I don’t want to be one of their friends. I don’t want to be one of their 5 Fav’s. I am the parent and I want to be seen that way, so if my kids can’t meet me on MY level, why should I meet them on theirs? Yes I know that might make me sound like a mean mom, but kids aren’t stupid now a days.
Of course we have to have faith that the rules that we lay down are followed when teens are out of our site, but leaving the decision of underage drinking on prom night to a mere text message just doesn’t sit right with me. IF that is the only method. And why only prom night?
Here’s a scenario… prom night approaches. Dad gets dressed in his sweats. Daughter asks “dad where are you going?” Dad replies, “I’m going out to make sure my investment is safe”. Hours go by and prom is well under way. Nicely dressed teens are hanging out by a van in the school parking lot. Daughter walks out of the gym with her date heading towards the van. She recognizes a car resembling one that was parked in her driveway hours before she left the house. She stops in her tracks as the headlights go on. Man steps out of the car and approaches the couple. The daughter looks shocked as she watches her father approach. “Dad, why are you here?” Dad replies… “Like I said I was making sure my investment was safe”. Daughter smiles. No text messaging needed.
