What is a Lock In Party?
Oftentimes, especially near the end of the school year, a school will sponsor a type of party that has come to be called a lock in party. Whether it’s for prom, graduation, or some other event, an overnight party is planned and hosted by the school. It can be held on the school grounds or at some other pre-planned location. A church, scout troop, or community center may host a lock in party as well.
A lock in party is much like a big slumber party, only everyone is “locked in” until morning. Students may only be checked out by their parents or guardians, otherwise, they are not allowed to leave. Chaperones are present to make sure those attending stay safe and follow the rules. Of course, no alcohol or other substances are allowed and chaperones keep an eye on amorous young couples. If one of the teens does attempt to leave, his or her parents will be notified immediately.
Most of the time, there isn’t a real problem with keeping teens at the lock in party, because it’s fun. It’s a safer way for kids to get together, dance, listen to music, and stay up late talking and laughing. Games and food are usually included as well. Plenty of junk food, cold drinks, their choice of music, and some form of fun including silly games, are generally enough to keep kids entertained. A lock in party is a good way for teens to celebrate safely and stay out of trouble while doing so.
There may still be wild parties elsewhere. However, most parents feel better allowing their teens to celebrate in a more structured, supervised manner. If your children’s school doesn’t host a lock in party, you might consider recommending one or offering to help chaperone. Kids should be able to celebrate and enjoy their accomplishments but few things are worse than having such occasions marred by tragedy. By having a lock in party instead of leaving kids to do their own thing, there’s a much better chance that teens will remain safe and have wonderful memories of their school years.
A fun idea is to give each person attending a t-shirt or journal and have the others sign it. Much the same as teens sign each other’s yearbooks, these shirts or journals can be used for saving special sentiments regarding the occasion. Kids may also want to bring along disposable cameras to capture memories of the lock in party on film.
Written by Sherry Holetzky
