Spring Break Safety: 5 Tips for Parents & Teens
- Becky Savage
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
How to Navigate Social Situations & Peer Pressure
Spring break is an exciting time for teens—a chance to relax, travel, and spend time with friends. But with the fun can come risks, including peer pressure, substance use, and unsafe situations. As parents, caregivers, and mentors, we play a crucial role in preparing teens to make safe, responsible choices. A little preparation can make all the difference.
Here are five essential tips to help families navigate spring break safely:
1️⃣ Have the Conversation Before They Go
Before your teen heads off on spring break, take time to talk about expectations, boundaries, and safety precautions. Keep the conversation open and nonjudgmental so they feel comfortable discussing concerns with you.
🔹 Key Topics to Cover:
✔️ The dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills
✔️ The importance of never leaving a drink unattended
✔️ How to recognize and respond to an unsafe situation
✔️ The power of saying “No” and having an exit plan
Encourage them to trust their instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, they should walk away.
2️⃣ Create a Safety Plan & Exit Strategy
Many teens feel pressured to "just go along" with the crowd, but having a plan in place helps them feel prepared. Work together to create a "safe out" if they need to leave a situation.
💡 Suggestions for an Exit Plan:
✅ Use a code word—If they text or call you with a prearranged word, you’ll know they need to leave.
✅ Have a buddy system—Encourage them to stay with trusted friends who share their values.
✅ Teach refusal skills—Practice saying, “No thanks, I’m good,” or “I have a big day tomorrow.”
Let them know they can ALWAYS call you for help—no questions asked.
3️⃣ Be Aware of Substance Risks & Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be intense, especially in social settings where alcohol or drugs are present. Teens should know that one choice can change everything.
⚠️ What They Need to Know:
🚫 Never take a pill from anyone—it could be counterfeit and laced with fentanyl.
🍹 Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and never leave a drink unattended.
👀 Watch out for friends—if someone seems “off” or overly drowsy, get help immediately.
A simple “No, I’m good” is all they need to say. True friends won’t pressure them to do something unsafe.
4️⃣ Stay Connected & Check In Regularly
Even if your teen is traveling with friends, staying in touch is important. Set expectations for regular check-ins so you know they are safe.
📍 Set up safety check-ins:
✔️ A quick morning text
✔️ A call before bed
✔️ Location sharing on their phone (if they’re comfortable)
Knowing they have a support system will make it easier for them to reach out if they need help.
5️⃣ Lead by Example & Keep Communication Open
Teens are more likely to make safe choices if they see trusted adults modeling responsible behavior. Keep lines of communication open and remind them that they can always come to you—without fear of punishment.
What You Can Say:
💬 “If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, call me anytime.”
💬 “I trust you to make smart choices, but if you ever need help, I’m here.”
💬 “You don’t have to do something just because everyone else is.”
By building trust, you give your teen the confidence to make safe, responsible decisions.
Final Thoughts
Spring break should be a time of fun and relaxation, not regret. By having honest conversations, creating a safety plan, and building trust, we can empower teens to make good choices and avoid dangerous situations.
Let’s give them the tools they need to have a fun AND safe spring break. 💙
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