As Labour Day weekend approaches, North Vancouver & West Vancouver students are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting new school year. For many Grade 11 and 12 students, this means participating in traditional grad sleep-out events across the North Shore. In light of these celebrations, the North Vancouver RCMP and the West Vancouver Police Department are providing students and parents with essential guidance on celebrating responsibly.

Corporal Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP emphasizes, “While many students attending grad sleep-outs intend to have harmless fun, we’ve seen in previous years how these gatherings can quickly spiral into dangerous or unlawful situations. Underage drinking, drug use, vandalism, littering, and other behaviour that violates Provincial and Federal laws or municipal bylaws have all been issues in the past. With increased freedom comes increased accountability. We expect all participants to show respect for the community, the environment, and each other, and we will take enforcement action where necessary.”

While students should expect to be held responsible for their actions during these events, Sgt. Chris Bigland of the West Vancouver Police Department notes that parental influence remains crucial. “Parents play an essential role in guiding their youth and helping them make informed decisions”, says Sgt. Chris Bigland. “We urge parents to have some open and honest conversations with their teens about how to make good choices, and the possible outcomes and consequences of poor decisions.”

To ensure a safe weekend, the North Vancouver RCMP and the West Vancouver Police Department will be actively enforcing liquor, traffic, and local bylaws, with additional officers on duty to manage the anticipated increase in activity.

Tips for Parents: Opening up the discussion

Encouraging open communication with your youth about their upcoming plans is key. Here are some strategies to facilitate these conversations:

• Let your teen know you are approachable and interested in their point of view. This can be done casually or during a more formal discussion, such as a family meeting.
• Aim for a dialogue rather than a lecture. Keep the conversation relaxed and invite your teen to share their opinions and questions.
• Understand your teen’s perspective and be open to their viewpoints, even if they differ from your own. Remember, effective communication involves active listening.

When discussing topics like substance use, be direct and factual, without overwhelming yourteen with too much information. By having thoughtful conversations and setting clear expectations and boundaries, parents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend for their teens.