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Keeping Your Kids Safe on Their Spring Break

The age-old rite of passage, Spring Break, is right around the corner and college kids across the country are starting to plan trips that are usually filled with an abundance of sun, alcohol and sex.  For many young girls, this is their first trip away from mom and dad's watchful eye and a chance to cut loose.  While most will return from these trips with merely some great stories to tell their friends, the sad reality is that a percentage will make some regrettable choices and even put themselves in dangerous situations. 

It is important that we have an open and honest conversation with our kids before they set off.  The following are some hard but important topics to cover:

Be Prepared Before You Leave

Passports are now required for The Bahamas and Mexico and it will take between four to six weeks to get one so plan ahead.  Some cell phones don't work internationally so check with your service provider prior to leaving.  If yours doesn't work you can rent one.  Regardless, make sure family members have a phone number for the hotel that you will be staying at.  Check with your medical insurance provider prior to leaving to see what is covered in the event of an emergency.  Many foreign hospitals require cash payment for services, and a medical evacuation to the U.S. costs around $50,000.  If you're not covered look online for trip insurance that you can purchase. 

Know Your Limit

Be aware of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43.6 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. Nearly half of the males and more than 40 percent of the females also reported being drunk to the point of vomiting or passing out at least once during break. This is the kind of binge drinking that is the major cause in alcohol poisoning. It also increases the risk of car accidents and arrests for such violations as drunk driving, public intoxication and property destruction.

Stick With Your Friends

Go out with your friends and leave with your friends.  Let your friends know if you intend to leave with anyone and make your intentions known to them prior to the trip.  Your judgement can be compromised once you've been drinking and you need your girlfriends to keep you safe.  Also, if you notice one of your girlfriends drinking too much or appearing to be confused, get her back to the hotel. 

Know When to say "No!" but if it's a "Yes" Practice Safe Sex

While MTV would make it seem that everyone's having sex during Spring Break, that's not necessarily the case.  Decide on your boundaries and stick with them.  Discuss this with your girlfriends even before the trip because they can help you if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or get too drunk to make appropriate decisions.  If you do meet someone, explain upfront what you are and aren't comfortable doing.   Unfortunately sexual assault is all too common on Spring Break trips and young girls, who may not have enough experience yet in moderating their drinking can be vulnerable.  In the same Wisconsin study, girls with higher alcohol consumption were more likely to have been the victim of sexual assault.  Date rape drugs are another concern so be sure never to put your drink down or take a drink from a guy if you haven't seen it poured. 

If, however, you do decide to have sex, play it safe.  Take matters into your own hands and bring condoms with you, don't rely on the guy.  Remember this isn't just about preventing pregnancy but also STD's.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 out of 4 college students has an STD. 

Be Careful of Too Much Fun In the Sun…or the Hot Tub!

After being inside all winter, the sun can be a shock to your skin – especially if you're in a place close to the equator.  Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, limit your time in the sun and keep yourself well hydrated to reduce the risk of sun poisoning.  Keeping hydrated means non-alcoholic drinks however as alcohol can maximize the effects of alcohol and lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, leading to hallucinations or a coma.  Hot tubs are another place to be careful.  The heat from the tub intensifies the effects of alcohol consumption and can lead to unconsciousness and drowning.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When booking a hotel room request a room above the first floor but below the sixth floor.  The first floor is an easy target for robbery but above the sixth makes it more difficult to escape in the event of a fire and more dangerous with kids hanging off the balconies.  When going out at night be mindful of pickpockets and be aware of who is walking near you.  When standing at an ATM do a quick scan of anyone nearby and if you feel uncomfortable go to a different ATM.