Should I let my 16 year old go to a Festival?

JIL

I started full time work at 16, I went on holiday with friends when I was 17. I referred back to this when mine started to ask to do the same things.
There are an awful lot of silly twenty somethings you would not want left on their own.
I don't think it's the age you need to be thinking of rather than the circumstances as long as he stays in touch and you trust him, why wouldn't you let him go?

All three of mine went to festivals at a young age.
One spent three weeks in Canada on his own at the age of 18, in a French speaking town.
It's part of growing up.

cashewnut

Caroline_a wrote: »

I knew a lovely 16 year old who went to Cornwall with mates after GCSEs. Too much drink and he walked over a cliff. Such a waste... :sad:

This is really horrible - that poor person - but it's a terrible accident and not really a reason to keep all 16 year olds indoors x

Brightonsbest_2

Hi

Even with the best intentions, when one is younger and out with mates especially away from home, even the best can come unstuck, so answer is a big NO

Lunar_Eclipse

I would definitely allow it.

I have a 16 year old, she went away to Cornwall camping for 4 nights with friends after her GCSEs. And then to a third world country for 2 weeks with a different group of friends - no alcohol allowed in the setting. A lot of her friends went to Reading, as would she if we hadn't been on a family holiday.

It sounds like you are on the fence - can you talk to the parents of the friends he's going with (if you're friends)? I knew everyone involved in both cases and trust my child. You know them best; be realistic but don't assume the worst. He is an individual. Most teens are very responsible in my experience.

Lunar_Eclipse

To everyone saying a definite no - accidents aside, why not?

Do you not trust your child? Their friends? Or something else?

I find this response a little sad and confusing.

*Robin*

If there's any doubt about these youngsters' ability to cope should something go wrong, why doesn't OP book a short break somewhere nearby? That would sort out transport home, emergency assistance if needed, peace of mind for the Elders, and an opportunity for them to explore a beautiful part of the country while the festival is taking place.

trixie73

My daughter went to Leeds festival on GCSE results day. She had a great time. . At 17 she went on a girly holiday to sunny beach,bulgaria,.then to Ibiza with her boyfriend. She's 18 now and has just come back from Iceland.

skint_chick

Is there much more trouble he could get into at a festival than on a night out with his mates? Make it clear that if there is a problem he needs help with he can call and you won't be angry and will help him figure out a solution, and get him to keep a note of your mobile number somewhere other than his phone so if he loses it he can still call. Better to be open and honest and let him grow up than be too strict and get him sneaking around behind your back.

theoretica

Is the concern going away for a week with mates, or doing so at a festival? As said, what are the friends he is going with like?

Would he stick to a no alcohol promise if you asked for it?

Caroline_a

cashewnut wrote: »

This is really horrible - that poor person - but it's a terrible accident and not really a reason to keep all 16 year olds indoors x

I agree, but the problem is that many of these 16 year olds still manage to get booze and aren't mature enough to handle it. He was one of these, the whole group so I gather were sold a ridiculous amount of booze. And at that age, you're invincible.....