AIBU to not let DS go to a rave

[ThatLimeNewt]

DS16 wants to go to a "rave" in London over Christmas. The event is from 4-9pm and it's only for16-18 year olds. AIBU unreasonable to not let DS go? The event is organised by Take off and its happening in the Ministry of Sound which is in a dodgy part of London. I am concerned about the safety of DS as he will have to walk through the dodgy area in order to get to the event. Also only one of DS's friends wants to go, shouldn't he go in a bigger group? He's been quite pissed at me over the past few days because I've refused to let him go.

An under 18s disco in an area that's being stripped by gentrification. Jesus.

We went to underage "raves". We had an absolute ball and got to see some amazing big named DJs. So many happy memories. Soft drinks only and curry chips on the way home. Happy happy times.

Unless he has a super strict curfew ill bet he goes anyway. I really don't see the problem to be honest. I was at all night raves at 14.... The Rez in Edinburgh anyone 🤣🤣 gawd i feel so old now.

Not me, my sons! Yeh not a nice area but they always got cabs home. The Venue was kind of a stepping stone to Ibiza once they were older. I love that they love that kind of music because I do too x

Sounds brilliant and they'll have an amazing time. Why would you want to piss on his chips by saying he can't go?
No wonder some teens sneak around, if they aren't even allowed to go to planned events, specifically designed for their age group. Plus it's only on till 9pm.

I wouldn't have even told my parents at that age. Let him be.

I was living in a flat share in E&C when I was 16, never mind dipping in and out by 9pm. Jeez 🤣🤣

I'd let mine go.

If I was worried about the area, I'd drop off and pick up (or go with them on public transport and meet them after if I was a none driver)

My 17 year old goes to these, they’re really good. Let him go!

Glad to hear the young uns are still going.

Jump in a car held together by its own rust with 8 mates and off to a field outside Ely to rave until dawn...

I sound like my mum did when she got all nostalgic about nightclubs in the Sixties. He'll be fine, OP, I'd let him go.

This won't be at the Ministry of Sound itself. But they have partnered up with another organisation to do these events. You might want to call MOS to ask them about it. As with such events there will be low level crime of theft, and yes, some drugs probably. Much depends on how mature and savvy your son is. How readily he wants to be accepted by others he might meet? Only you know the answer to that. But a conversation around safety being 'aware' is key these days I think. If you really aren't sure, and if your gut is saying no, then listen to it.

Yes you are being overprotective - 9pm is not late and whilst E&C not the nicest area it's pretty heavily cc tved and once he's on bus in tube he'll be fine.

I was going to dodgy last minute word of mouth events in fields and warehouses at 16/17, my parents had no clue, because i was at a residential college that catered for 16 to adult age range and so had friends with cars...

Its a teenage, age limited event, with security.

He couldn't get much safer whilst still actually going out - if you want safer than that you're going to need to glue his ass to your sofa and not let him go out without you, ever.

Going out in a large group is over-rated as far as safety goes, they're more likely to miss one, more likely to split up as theres more opinions and ideas on what to do and more likely to do stupid stuff, in a group, vs in a pair.

Presumably, he has a phone, he can call if things don't go according to plan.

I was going to illgal raves at 14 and I survived hell be fine

Thanks all Ill reconsider

Im interested to know if you went to parties/raves and drank in your teens.

Please remember for those of us who did v today's youth, its the same except alot more media today. Even back when I was a teen there was alcohol/drugs. Nothing has actually changed except I think due to media, today's teen are very much aware of drugs amd their potential to kill. If hes a sensible lad I would not be concerned. Same rules apply as back then, never leave your drink etc

It’s not a dodgy part of London?

It’s a well known club with high footfall lots of security and surveillance and with a police station close by.

that entire bit of E&C is massively and new an gentrified. The journey is along a main road with a lot of lighting

it also finishes at 9! He will be fine, let him go and enjoy with his mates and come home safely. It’s very much controlled fun for younger teens. Unless he is poorly behaved it wouldn’t be nice to stop him.

Better let him go now and experience this kind of thing rather than he hits 18 and he goes wild. I think this is the true definition of you wrapping up your child in cotton wool. you can’t protect him forever and he needs to learn how to navigate London and the streets.