|
TALLAHASSEE - A free service for parents of teenagers attending their high school's annual prom allows parents to register through a website and send their teen a free text message expressing those parents' desire that prom night be an enjoyable but safe experience.
Promtext is an endeavor by the Century Council and Teen Arrive Alive. Parents can visit the Century Council's website and register for the free text message, which will be sent to teens through their cell phones (if they are equipped to receive text messages). The message will be properly timed in order to assist each teen in making the right choice to stay safe and don't drink.
"Prom night is an exciting time for our high school students and their parents," said Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist. "It is also one of the more dangerous evenings of their lives. Promtext allows parents to reach their sons and daughters at an important time when some will be under peer pressure to use alcohol - with potentially catastrophic consequences."
Proms are a regular feature in Florida communities from the end of April throughout the month of May. These events and post-prom activities mostly occur without incident, but some teenagers have been involved in alcohol-related crashes with devastating or lethal consequences. A reminder from those who care most about their teenager can potentially save lives.
"The message is simple," said Crist. "Teens should hear their parent's voice when reading a text message reminding them to 'Make the Right Choice, Stay Safe, Don't Drink Under 21.' That's good advice whether spoken or written."
The Century Council, based in Washington, D.C., is known for its mission of "Fighting drunk driving and underage drinking." Teen Arrive Alive is a web-based service committed to saving lives by assisting teens in making the right decisions about alcohol consumption.
Parents may register for Promtext by visiting the Century Council's website at:
www.centurycouncil.org/promtext/index.php. 4-28-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
|
