You know it’s coming — the dresses, tuxedos, limos — the works. It’s time for the high school prom.

My senior prom was a mild affair. Nothing out of control. For a large graduating class things were kept pretty minimal. I don’t recall talk of any crazy after-prom parties. No one showed up in monster-limos and barely-there gowns. And everyone escaped prom night unscathed. My butt, and those of 4 of my girlfriends, had to be back at my parent’s house at 1am. My parents didn’t rent a hotel room for me and my pals. I didn’t have carte blanche to stay out all night because it was prom.

This was a mere 8 years ago, but after watching a TV special on proms, I realize how drastically things have changed. The event has become a big bucks, big deal bash. I’ve listened to kids at a local high school gabbing about prom night — they’ve been scoping out dresses that cost nearly as much as my mortgage. They’re booking transportation that put my wedding fleet to shame. And they’re prepping for a wild night free from adult supervision.

Now underage drinking is no shock to me. Neither are after parties. But things have just become so out of control. There is much easier access to drugs, party locales, and booze.

I certainly do not want to be on the receiving end of some drunk high-schooler behind the wheel on prom night, but I don’t really know what the solution is. Parents have to be more vigilant. Law enforcement agencies have to be on high-alert. The hospitality industry, which stands to make bank during prom season, has to put the breaks on renting out rooms to kids looking to cut loose after prom.

But what role does the school play after the dance ends? I know of one high school that has banned the prom due to the increase in drinking and driving incidents, drug use, and over the top after parties.

I don’t believe in punishing the group because of careless acts of the few, but are parents and schools doing enough to keep kids safe? Is this one of those situations where kids will just find a way to do what they want?

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