Hosting a party – this can be a time to make a fun plan, and a time to set boundaries that you and  your teenager are both happy with.  There is a lot of work involved in hosting a safe teen party and these tips are a starting point for  helping you plan and manage the event: Decide on guest list names and numbers. Check people off the list as they arrive – this keeps gate crashers out Have a single entrance – one way in and one way out Plan out a big space with plenty of room for the teens to hang out Decide in advance what happens if someone becomes sick or is seriously injured e.g. call their parents, emergency services, or have another plan in place Set a start and finish time for the party. The guests should know when to arrive and when to leave. This also helps them to arrange to be picked up. If there is alcohol present or if teens are bringing alcohol, the host must have received consent from the guest’s parent/caregiver Make sure details are clear on invitations – start and finish times, whether alcohol will be permitted, no illegal drugs permitted etc Provide food and non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure you have plenty to offer on the day so that every attendee has access to food and water/non-alcoholic beverages Try to avoid the party being shared on social media. If your teenager does set up a Facebook event, make sure it’s settings are on ‘Private’ and ‘Invite Only.’ This ensures that only the people invited have access to the details of the party. Supervise, but don’t be intrusive. Don’t go out and leave them unattended. Let your neighbors know in case they want to make arrangements to head out Call the Police if someone is ‘out of control’ or you have unwelcome intruders. It is their job to  manage these situations. Do not use physical force to remove any unwanted guests.  If your teenager is attending a party – don’t be afraid to contact the host’s parents and check on  details such as supervision, time and location, and arrangements regarding alcohol and transport.  Be open with your teen about why you are asking for details about the party they want to attend  You could explain why you’re asking. For example, you might say, ‘I’m worried that you might be at  risk at this party. I am not comfortable with you going if I’m not sure you will be safe’. If things get out of control at the party – If there is violence or drugs, they feel threatened or  frightened, or the designated driver has been drinking, it’s important that your teen has a plan to get  out of the situation. A plan can help avoid feelings of embarrassment for leaving the party early. Let  them know that they can call you at any time, under any conditions if they or their friends need your  help – no questions asked. Pop some money in their wallet for a taxi home or set up an Uber  account for them as a back up As a backup, or if their friends need assistance, ask your teens to have the numbers of their friends’  parent(s) saved in their phones. Help https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/drugs-and-alcohol/hosting-party-safety-tips https://parentingplace.nz/behaviour-and-discpline/teen-parties/