Dating

• Get to know someone well before going on a date.  Date people that you know and trust.  Go out in groups as much as possible and to public places.  If you want to spend some time alone with the person you're seeing, wait until you've had a few dates and have set ground rules for alone time.
• Talk with your parents.   Never go on a date without telling someone else. Even if it's a little annoying, let your mom, dad or another adult know when you’re going out. Be sure to tell your parents who you're going with, where you plan to go and what time you expect to return home, too.
• It's a good policy to bring your cell phone along, and to leave your date's phone number with your parents, just in case anything goes wrong. Be prepared for the unexpected: You might need a ride home or some extra cash.
• If you feel uncomfortable about a situation on a date, say "no" clearly and confidently. You're always allowed to change your mind about something, too. If someone likes and respects you, they'll back off. Don't worry: They will most likely ask you out again. If your date doesn't respect your decision, stay safe by leaving the situation.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol while on a date.  Drugs and alcohol compromise your ability to make smart decisions and to escape dangerous situations. They can make you take risks you wouldn't usually take with your body, your car and your safety in general. They also prevent you from getting to know what your date is really like and keep your date from getting to know the real you.

Cell Phone/Internet

• Do not give your cell phone number to people that you do not know.  Don't respond to text messages from numbers and people you don't know.
• Do not take any cell phone pictures or video that are sexual in nature. First off, if they involve

nudity or partial nudity, they are illegal and classified as child pornography ‐ a felony offense in most states.  The intent of the parties does not matter, nor does whether permission was granted. Secondly, they have the tendency to get into the hands of the wrong people. Think about your reputation.

• Do not send texts or capture pictures or video on your cell phone that you wouldn't feel comfortable sharing with your parents.  Ask yourself how you'd feel if the text you sent or the picture or video you captured were broadcast all across the school, and all across the Internet. Even if you personally don't send it around, others can and often do.
• Keep your cell phone keypad locked (and the PIN or password safe and private), so that others can't grab it, unlock it, and use it to get you into trouble when you're not looking.
• Be careful with on-line chat rooms/social media.  If you do not know someone, do not communicate with them online.

Car Safety

• Texting & Driving- It is dangerous!  Parents remember to set good example for your teen.  No text is worth losing your life over, or taking someone else's. If something is urgent, pull the vehicle over to a safe place before dealing with it.
• Always wear your seat belt. 
• Never get into a car with someone who has been drinking or taking drugs.  If you have been drinking or taking drugs, do not drive!  Call a responsible person to get a ride home.  Parents - It is always a good idea to have an agreement with your teen for a no questions asked ride home policy.  If they call and are asking for a ride home, go and get them, but skip the 3^rd degree.  Sit down with your teen a couple of days later and talk about it.