In theory, there's no better time to be free, let loose and have fun than the festive season. Exams are over, schools are closed and you can sit back, relax and go out with friends.
Of course this year it's all a bit different - thanks to Covid-19 - but responsible socialising is still possible. And, let's face it, it is going to happen - the kids have had a rough year too and they are going to go out and party.
With this in mind, here's a reminder that once your teens step outside your door, they need to know how to look after themselves.
Apart from the virus, there are other dangers they need to be aware of, particularly when alcohol is involved.
Read more | Party responsibly this New Year's Eve, teens!
A time to experiment
Generally, the festive season comes with a larger degree of freedom than usual and it's a time when teens will explore new experiences.
Some will experiment with alcohol, as they hang out with friends at a club, shisa nyama or a party.
Legally you are allowed to consume alcohol over the age of 18, and there's nothing wrong with that if you do it responsibly, says Pretoria-based social worker and life coach, Samuel Khoza.
He says your teen years are a great time to make memories that will last a lifetime, but "too much of alcohol consumption reduces your brain function, so it's important to know how much your body can accommodate".
The teen years are when kids start to break the old boundaries of childhood in order to form their own unique identity through freedom of expression, appearance and action, says Joburg-based psychologist Karen Moross.
However, this freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility.
"Freedom needs to have personal limits and restrictions in order to moderate the risks involved and to protect the adolescent from harm. This is where responsibility becomes an important path," she says.
As a teenager, you are not legally allowed to make major decisions until you turn 18. And as soon as you reach the age when you are an adult, you are expected to act like one, Karen notes. At this time, you are met with the responsibilities of making conscious decisions and confronting choices. And this independence can be overwhelming.
Late teens are a time of experimenting and making a few mistakes, as you work out when and in what areas you are emotionally, socially and physically ready to take on certain responsibilities.
Individuals progress in different ways at different times, which means you also need to consider the friends you are going out with. What are their levels of maturity? Do they have the ability to self-control and act responsibly?
It's likely you'll find yourself in some sticky situations as you try to work things out for yourself. But these experiences can be used as life lessons so you don't make the same mistakes again.
If you feel unsure about the consequences of what you are about to do, then discuss it with your parents or an older person you can trust. It never hurts to seek advice.
Read more | Should you give your children alcohol?
Keeping safe when you go out
Anything can happen at nightclubs, parties and chill spots. Not everyone visits clubs with the intention to have fun - some people just go there to take advantage of vulnerable young people.
To minimise risk, experts advise you go out with friends you can trust. They also recommend you stick with those friends and have a plan of action in case you separate.
It's a good idea to plan ahead and know how you are going to get home. Also let someone know where you're going and what time you expect to be back.
If you are of legal age and are going to drink, keep track of what you are drinking.
Karen suggests eating and drinking water in between your alcoholic drinks.
"Decide on the rules or game plan for the event before you actually head out. Always order your own drinks and make sure they are sealed on receipt," she says.
It's all too easy for drinks to be spiked with drugs, so do not leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.
"If you feel like you've had too much alcohol to drink, tell a friend and have a backup plan to get to a place of safety."
Samuel suggests only taking what you need and leaving everything else at home. You will need your phone - make sure it's charged and has enough airtime. But a large handbag or flashy wallet will draw unnecessary attention to you and put you at a greater risk of becoming a victim of robbery, he says.
It's advisable to carry your phone, bank card and cash in your pockets or somewhere out of sight. However, that doesn't guarantee your safety and if your possessions are stolen, you should remain calm and report the incident at your nearest police station.
"Don't fight back during a robbery. It's not worth it. You can replace a stolen gadget but the cost of fixing the injuries is high and your life cannot be replaced," Samuel says.
