When GCSE results day rolls around many teens want to celebrate with their friends at under 18 club events. As a parent it can feel daunting. Nightclubs, loud music, crowds of teens and safety concerns all spring to mind. But are these events really something to worry about?
Are under 18 club events safe?
If it is genuinely an under 18s event then generally yes. These parties are organised specifically for teenagers with no alcohol served and trained security staff on the doors. Venues know their licence depends on keeping things under control so staff tend to be vigilant.
This kind of environment can actually help young people gain early experience of social situations like music, dancing and crowds before they are old enough to go to over 18 clubs.
What about fake IDs and over 18 clubs?
That is a different story. If your teen is planning to use a fake ID or sneak into an event meant for adults then the answer should be a firm no. Those clubs serve alcohol, attract older crowds and carry risks your teenager is not ready for.
How can I set boundaries around results day parties?
If your teenager has asked your permission that is already a good sign. It means they trust you. Take the opportunity to set some clear rules together. Think about:
- Curfew and what time they need to be home
- Communication such as texting you every hour or sharing their live location
- Budget and how much money they will take
- Friends and who exactly they are going with
- Transport such as whether you will drop off and pick up or if there is another safe plan
The clearer the rules the more secure everyone feels.
What safety advice should I give my teen?
Even at under 18 events it is worth giving a no nonsense talk about safety. Cover the basics:
- Do not leave drinks unattended and consider using bottle tops
- Stick with friends and make sure no one wanders off alone
- Be aware of the signs of spiking
- Make sure their phone is fully charged
- Keep social media and location sharing open and do not block parents for the night
You are not being overbearing. You are making sure they know how to protect themselves.
Should I drop them off and pick them up?
Yes. If possible offer to do the drop off and pick up yourself. Let your teen and their friends get ready at your house so you can overhear any plans and step in if something sounds off. On the way there give them a short firm pep talk. No lectures. Just a reminder of the rules.
It is also a good idea to speak to the other parents involved. That way you know you are all on the same page.
What if my teen lies about going?
This is where trust matters. If you say no outright there is a risk they will go anyway. Then if something goes wrong they might not feel able to call you for help.
It is safer to agree clear boundaries so that if they do find themselves in trouble they know they can phone you without fear of punishment.
Is GCSE results day the right time for their first club night?
In some ways GCSE results day parties are one of the safest introductions to this kind of social life. Lots of their peers will be out celebrating in similar ways and they will likely bump into familiar faces from school.
That can actually feel safer than their first proper clubbing experience at 18 when they will be thrown into a nightlife scene with older adults and much higher risks.
I’ve always loved these environments, as such a lover of music and dancing I feel at home in the middle of a busy dance floor and my son is very similar to me. I’ve been attending festivals and children’s events with him from a young age because one thing I’m very aware of is just how many of my peers were like rabbits in the headlights during freshers week at uni when they’d never experienced anything quite like it before.
Part and parcel of growing up is knowing when to allow your children to try new things.
Letting your teenager attend an under 18 club event can feel like a big step but with the right preparation it can be safe fun and a valuable experience. Setting rules keeping communication open and making sure they know how to stay safe will give you peace of mind and give them the chance to celebrate in a safe age appropriate way.
If you’ve made it this far as a parent then you’ve watched them learn to swim, ride a bike and head off to infant, junior and secondary school. You just have to trust that you’ve done everything you can as a parent up to this point and that your child will remember everything you you have taught them, be able to trust their judgment and make sensible decisions for themselves.