Spring has sprung, days are longer, weather is nicer; for many these changes mean spending countless hours outside, with friends, and for some it means doing things that are not deemed “safe.”

Parents have warned teens of safety their entire lives, but do these warnings really work?

Prom season is here, and hopefully it will once again be put on without any trouble and with teens living to see the next day.

Drinking and other substances play a large part of the safety of teens on such a night.

It is well known that these substances cannot be avoided by the masses of cloudy-headed teens.

Students will hear the next day of parents even hosting such parties where they supplied drinks and were okay with teens coming and participating.

However, we hope that students remember those conversations that started in grade school about never driving under the influence.

Rise above.

Few things would be worse than coming to school after prom weekend and hearing whispers in the halls of someone that got so “messed up” that they did things to ruin their reputation, their graduation status, or something more fatal.

We do not condone the use of substances that are illegal for young people, but if using, be responsible.

Protect your peers and protect yourself.