"Organising and promoting an event this way can lead to large numbers of people attending, with unexpected and unforeseen consequences such as disorder, crime and other harm."
Mr Clement said large numbers of young people combined with alcohol and no parental or security supervision was a recipe for disaster.
"Even in the past few weeks there have been a number of serious incidents at residential parties around New Zealand, including one 17-year-old who was set on fire."
Senior Sergeant Ewan Dunsmuir of the Rotorua police said the incident served as a reminder to parents and teenagers everywhere.
Parties thrown by teenagers in Rotorua often got out of control but Mr Dunsmuir said the Rotorua teen party scene had been reasonably well-behaved recently.
He said the Western Bay incident was a timely reminder to both parents and teenagers.
"Parents need to know what their children are up to. Know where they are going and what time you expect them to be back," he said.
"It is all about good communication."
He said teenagers needed to realise the consequences of promoting parties on social networking websites.
Mr Clement said police were not just concerned about alcohol-related incidents at these types of events.
He said today's youth were living in an environment where they were faced with greater challenges and pressures including a culture of parties, social media and alcohol.
"There is nothing wrong with well planned and supervised gatherings for young people. But please, as a parent, make sure you are part of your young person's life.
"Get an understanding of where they are going, who they are going with and help them develop their own personal safety plan if something goes wrong," said Mr Clement.
Information for parents on a range of topics - including parties, alcohol, sex and driving - is available on the website www.teentools.co.nz.