Bush Parties: Dangerous & Even Deadly

We know bush parties are a local tradition, but the bush parties of today are more lethal than the ones of 20 years ago. You might have survived them, but your kids are dealing with a whole different reality.

The fact is, the drugs out there today aren't the same drugs of 20 years ago. They're stronger and more deadly. The people at the parties aren't the same local kids either. Adults in their 20s, sometimes from out of the region, may be present. Their motives usually aren't clean: they may be selling drugs, trolling for young girls or looking to create trouble with more naïve younger people.

What Drugs Can Your Kid Get at Bush Parties?

What "can't" they get is a better question. Alcohol, crystal meth, marijuana, ecstasy, crack — they're all there, along with some unexpected surprises like Rophynol, known as the date rape drug.

The Real Facts

Here are some sobering facts that should make you think twice about bush parties:

Drugs are widely available at bush parties. Alcohol flows freely, but marijuana, crystal meth, Ecstasy and crack are not uncommon.
When your teen goes to a bush party, there's usually a vehicle involved. Drinking/drugs and driving can be fatal. In fact, impaired driving is a major cause of death amongst teens. Even if your teen isn't drinking or using, he or she might be riding with someone who is.
At bush parties, adults in their early 20s often mix with younger teens. Bush parties present a risk to female teens. It's dark. You can't see well. You can't watch your drink as closely as you need to. It's the perfect scenario for date rape drugs.
The combination of impaired judgment and poor lighting at bush parities can pose heavy dangers, making it easy to get lost, fall off a cliff or drown. Injuries, permanent disability and death are real factors.
Impaired judgment can also lead to assault and rape.

What Can Parents Do?

What can you, as a parent, do about bush parties? The best response is to tell your kids they can't go and explain why. Talk to them as young adults about the dangers; don't lecture. Ask them how they feel. They may disagree with you but that doesn't mean you should change your mind. It can be hard to say no to teens. Say no anyway and stick to it. It may save your kid's life.

For some parents, no amount of explaining will prevent your kids from sneaking off to parties. Make sure they have a cell phone with an emergency number programmed in. Tell them that if they ever get into trouble or are faced with a drinking and driving situation, they can call you for a ride at any time of the day or night. If they do call, praise them for making a wise decision. Deal with the fact that they broke your rules later.