Violence ain’t ‘senseless’

We hear a lot about ‘senseless violence’. But when kids get injured at parties, it’s not the violence that’s senseless. It’s the parents. With prior planning, parties needn’t suffer any violence. To me, ‘senseless’ is someone stabbing you in the street. Car accidents aren’t senseless. Most are due to speed, alcohol, fatigue or other driver…

Sweet Sixteen & Utterly Pissed

16-year-old Sophie* attends a gathering at a friend’s house at 4 pm.  Sophie drinks a bottle of vodka while the host parents party elsewhere on the property – not caring what’s happening in their home.  Sophie passes out. Her eyes roll back. Her breathing becomes laboured. Her friends become distressed and wonder if they should…

The Pits

Heavy Duty Last weekend I assigned ten of my staff to a youth event. It was a skate festival, followed by live acts – including a heavy metal band. An hour before this band came on, organisers warned me to put my people on high alert. Why? Because the kids were about to become extremely…

Serving Suggestions

Good News / Bad News I’m delighted the State Government is concerned about teenage alcohol abuse. However, I strongly feel the law described in this article is too narrow. If we fine adults who give alcohol to children visiting their homes without their parents’ permission, the ripple effect may be bigger than we think. Private…

Kids Rule?!

I was asked to look after an 18th birthday in an Eastern suburb. BYO alcohol and 140 guests. As I always do before assigning staff to an event, I met the parents several days beforehand. I inspected the property and noted some issues: Open pool in the party area. Neighbouring properties close by. Small backyard…

School of Thought

Long Way Home Recently I was contacted by a VCE (Year 12) teenager who was planning a celebration for after her formal (prom night). The event was for 300 students. The venue was in the city: 50 km from the outer eastern suburb in which these kids lived! I asked the teen why she and…

Another Bloody Tragedy

Yet another poor teenage girl dead at a party. Yet more Police officers injured at another. So many of these event-based tragedies could be easily prevented. So when will it end? It’ll end when Parents take charge. Parents who care for their kids will read this post. Parents: You are in control, not teenagers. You…

The Enemy Within

I read in Sunday’s paper about a man who held a party for his 17-year-old daughter. This father assaulted a female guest and digitally raped another while she slept. He has now been convicted Parents must be extremely careful with regard to adults who assist at parties (as well as their roles on the day).…

Cringe Festival

I work a lot of teenage parties. And it makes me cringe to see so many parents absenting themselves from their child’s event. They put on a party for their kid, then decide to have their own party with other parents. As a result, intoxicated adults can be more of an issue than intoxicated teens!…