Chaperone Tips

As a chaperone or other adult working at a High School or Teen Dance, you will need to monitor the behavior of those in attendance. It is recommended the following behaviors should not be allowed at a High School or Teen Dance at your discretion.

What is "Inappropriate" Behavior?

Carrying another person on the shoulders, or passing people throught the air(a.k.a."Crowd Surfing") Jumping off the stage, the DJ's Speakers, tables, chairs, or any other surface.

Any intentional contact with the DJ or any of his/her equipment, music, belongings etc. should not be tolerated at all.

Moshing or Slam Dancing, intentionally colliding forcefully with another person.

Freaking: Dancing with another person, where close bodily contact happens often. Such contact is of an "overtly suggestive nature". Please use your own judgement.

What To Do When You See Offending Behavior.

First "Mild" Offense - Approach the individual, escort them to the side, and explain that what they are doing is inappropriate. Let them know that they will be removed from the event if they cause any more trouble. A forceful objection to this may constitute removal.

Second "Mild" Offense or First "Serious" Offense - Approach the individual, escort them to the entrance, and tell them why they are being removed from the event.

NOTE: If multiple individuals are involved, you might wish to seek other chaperones to assist in rounding up all the "offenders".

How Can The DJ Help ME?

The DJ at your event wants you to have a safe and successful function. He or she will select music to minimize the chance of instigating any "inappropriate" behavior. But keepin mind a few facts:

The DJ is the ENTERTAINER you have hired to entertain at your event. The safety, security and conduct of your students or teens are YOUR responsibility.

The DJ is busy being the DJ. If the DJ sees something inappropriate going on, they will probably attempt to do something about it. But most of the time your DJ is looking at music lists, listening to upcoming music selections through their headphones, and operating a lot of sound and lighting equipment. Chances are that the DJ will not see everything that happens in every corner of your room.

If they want to do it badly enough, they will! Students will often attempt to engage in inappropriate behavior, regardles of what music is playing. If the DJ won't play a certain song because the students might "mosh" or "freak" to it, chances are the students will still attempt to do it using a different song.

Final Notes...

It is an observed nationwide trend that student behavior at dances is becoming harder to control. Are your dances doomed to turn to chaos? No! Remember these final facts:

Carrying a flashlight helps to identify people and maintain control. Use small FM walkie-talkies for communication between chaperones.

You have chaperones at your event, USE THEM! An adult who sits around and observes as students go wild is worthless as a chaperone.

Feel free to THROW THE TROUBLEMAKERS OUT of your event! It's no loss to you, they've already paid. AND perhaps the embarrassment and financial loss will make them think twice about misbehaving at future events.

Love your DJ! A good DJ is hard to find.

If your DJ is the professional who provided you with this information so your events might go better, reward them! A school or Teen dance is about the only type of event that a DJ will NOT receive a gratuity(tip) for their services. But you can STILL show them you appreciate them.

Give them a raise. Hire them for more events. Recommend them to other schools or anyone else that needs a good DJ. Your DJ does his or her best to take care of you, don't forget to take care of them!