Teenagers are moving towards adulthood on a bumpy road these days, but you can set some teenager safety rules that help young people feel independent while acting responsibly.

Teenager Safety: On the Road

Their driver's license is often a teenagers first real taste of real freedom, and they may get caught up in the excitement and forget all the safety rules they learned in Driver's Ed. Teen drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group. The risk increases with every additional passenger in the car. Protect your teen by setting rules that limit distractions.

1)Seatbelts must be worn at all times. 2)Limit the number of passengers in the car. 3)Limit the hours your teenager can be on the road. 4)Limit where your teenager can go. 5)If you see any behavior that is not safe, you as a parent have the right to take away your child's driving privileges until they demonstrate more responsibility.

Teenager Safety: Drugs, Alcohol, and Sex

As they tumble into adulthood, teenagers' natural curiosity and propensity for rebellion may lead them to try dangerous things. Drugs, alcohol, and sex are real issues for every teenager in America, from rural Wyoming to New York City. Communicate with your teen your rules and keep that line of communication open. Peer pressure is fierce when it comes to teens and drugs, alcohol, and sex, and your teen will need a great deal of support in making wise choices. Sometimes they just can't say no. Prepare them for whatever they may choose. Some basic rules may help:

1)If you drink, don't drive. 2)If you drink, do it at home. 3)If you drink, know how to take care of dangerously inebriated friends. You could save lives. 4)If you smoke weed, keep it limited to the basement. 5)Remind them that at their age, consumption of drugs and alcohol is punishable by law. 6)If you choose to have sex, use a condom.

There is a great deal of "ifs" when it comes to teenager safety and drugs, alcohol, and sex. If you make your morals clear to your children starting at an early age, they will know and understand your limits. It is up to the child if he or she wants to test them - just make sure they know they will suffer consequences for breaking house rules. It's natural for teens to want to "rebel", but you can cleverly steer them towards "wiser" rebellion and let them still think they are going wild.

About the Author

Ralph Winn writes about Home Security and other related topics. For more information on Home Security