No Tricks, Just Safe Treats: Halloween Party Safety Tips

Perhaps your child has just been invited to their first “real” Halloween party. Gone are
the days of ghostly ghouls from Michael’s and goody bags filled with plastic spiders and
semi-stale fun-sized packs of candy gummies. Suddenly your youth is
making plans with their friends to stay out late giggling about who’s going to be at who’s party, or asking to extend their curfew.

Regardless of how they might choose to celebrate Halloween, it’s important to start
conversations about party safety early, especially if your child is in junior high or
high school. Below you’ll find some tips and tricks you can share with youth to help keep
them safe at parties this Halloween and all year-round:

1. Always tell your parents/guardians where you will be and when you will be home.
2. Before you leave for the party, make sure your phone is fully charged and/or take
   a portable charger.
3. Do NOT accept drinks from anybody. GHB is a clear, scentless, flavorless
   drug that can easily be slipped into any drink and can result in memory loss,
   nausea, and even overdose. For this reason, bring your own drinks, open them
   yourself, and keep them covered or closed if possible.
4. Do NOT accept rides from people you do not know or from anyone you
   suspect may have been drinking. Organize a ride in advance or order an Uber to
   pick you up at a specific time.
5. Have a code word with your friends and loved ones. If you’re in a situation where
   you’re feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, use a code phrase with your friends to let them know you need support or would like to leave. Additionally, have a code
   word with a safe and trusted adult if you need to be picked up.

6. Eat in advance. Some edible cannabis products are nearly impossible to
   distinguish from common party snacks, like chocolate and gummies. If you have
   any type of food allergy, it can also be difficult to know the ingredients in food
   offered at most parties or if there has been cross contamination.
7. Stay with your group! There is power in numbers. If you or your friends need
   support, or need to go home early, it’s important to know where everyone is at. Look out for each other!
8. No is a complete sentence. You never have to do anything you’re not comfortable
   with. If someone is pressuring you, walk away, find your group of friends, or just
   leave the party.
9. Respect your friends’ privacy. Keep phones away from sensitive or private
   moments –do not film or post without permission. Only record to help, not to
   embarrass.
10. Know your limits and your boundaries. You know your body and your boundaries
    best. Don’t push yourself to do or try things you know might be unsafe or could
    cause you harm. Trust your gut, if something does not feel right, it probably
    means it’s not right.