• Celebrate graduation with a party.graduation image by timur1970 from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Graduating from high school is a major milestone in a teenager's life. It not only marks the end of school but also the beginning of adulthood. Graduation parties celebrate the event, sometimes all night long. Not all attendees will have reached the emancipation age of 18 years old. Set rules for the party that keep minors safe, parents comfortable and the celebration going.
  
  

Drinking, Drugs and Cigarettes

• Whether the party is in a private home, or a public venue, laws must be obeyed. That means zero tolerance for alcohol consumption, smoking or drug use. Alcohol consumption for those under 21 is illegal in many states. In 1984 the National Minimum Drinking Age went into effect. It demanded that all states raise their age to 21 for alcohol purchase and possession in public. There are exceptions, depending on which state you live in, for those under 21 and their consumption of alcohol in private. In any case alcohol and teens do not mix.
  
  If the party is in a private residence, the owner has the right to limit smoking whether the teen is 18 years or older.
  
  Use of illegal drugs puts not only the user at risk, but the host of the party, and the other guests.
  
  

Luggage Search

• It may seem an invasion of privacy but kids try to circumvent rules by bringing in forbidden items hiding them in their personal belongings. Notify seniors and their guests that their backpacks, personal belongings and purses are subject to search at the party.
  
  What you do if you find alcohol or drugs is up to you. You could call the police, ask the senior to leave or call the senior's parent saying that the substances were found. One parent organization requires all personal belongings to be dropped off at the party site earlier in the day. It searches them and throws away all forbidden items.
  
  

Doors Close

• Set a time when entry to the party closes. Seniors and guests must arrive before the stated time. If they don't a parent will be called. Seniors are encouraged to stay at the party until the morning. If they leave, their parent will be notified. An hour or two after the graduation ceremony is plenty of time for celebrants to be with their families after receiving their diplomas, change into party clothes or pick up an overnight bag.
  
  

Guests

• Keep uninvited guests out. Know who is coming. It's fine for a senior to bring a boyfriend or girlfriend to the party as long as the hosts know about it upfront. Clearly state the times and guests rule on the party invitation.
  
  

Chaperones

• Parents of minors attending the party will feel more comfortable if they know the party is chaperoned and by whom. It could be an older sister on college break and a few of her female friends who keep an eye on the revelers.