Schoolies – what you need to know
After a year of stress and challenges, young people leaving school will be ready to put 2021 behind them and celebrate the end of school.
Schoolies (school leaving celebrations)
This years’ schoolies/leavers celebrations will be looking different to previous years, with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt across Australia.
Many popular locations may have made changes to their usual events, with some young people are looking to celebrate at home or in public spaces. There may be less volunteers and support programs available to look after young people to make sure they are having a safe and enjoyable experience.
To help keep young people safe during their end of year celebrations and minimise harm from alcohol and other drugs, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation has compiled a list of resources and articles to help guide parents and communities.
Information for you and your teenager
If you have young people at home who are finishing school, the articles below will help you feel more informed to make sure that your children are equipped to have a safe and fun celebration. We encourage you to share this information with your teenagers use the information to feel confident to have the conversation around safe partying.
- Safe partying tips for school leavers: In the lead up to “schoolies” or “leavers” events, it’s a good idea to talk with your child about alcohol and drugs.
- Hosting a teenage party: It’s possible to host a fun and memorable party for your child that their friends and their parents will be comfortable with.
- Saying yes or no to a party: Use these tips to help when making the decision to allow your child to attend a party.
- Talking to young people about alcohol and other drugs: Talking about alcohol and other drugs is an ongoing conversation which will evolve depending on the young person’s age or development.
- Schoolies - advice for parents: You can help your teenager enjoy schoolies whilst reducing the risk of problems by using this three-tier strategy.
- Secondary supply: It is now against the law to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18, unless their parents have given permission.
- Alcohol and your teenage brain: The ADF advocates people under the age of 18 years old should not drink alcohol at all and should delay the take up of alcohol for as long as possible.
- Staying safe on schoolies. It’s an exciting time to get together with friends and relax, but it is also important to be aware of reducing the harms you may encounter, so you can celebrate safely. This article may be especially helpful for young people who are able to travel safely under COVID-19 restrictions.
- Drugs at schoolies week: Schoolies is all about having a good time and celebrating the end of your school life. Drugs can sometimes be part of these celebrations, so it’s important to know a bit about them so you can make good decisions and help friends who might be in trouble.
- Reducing the risks of drugs: Even though you may come across drugs at Schoolies, you don’t have to take them in order to have fun.
- Nitrous oxide – no laughing matter: During the summer season and schoolies celebrations, many young people may consider taking drugs such as nitrous oxide.
- Drink spiking: Drink spiking occurs when a person deliberately adds alcohol or another drug to a drink without the knowledge of the person who will be drinking it. It is illegal in all states and territories.
- Red Frogs Australia: The Red Frogs volunteer to keep young people safe as they celebrate at school leaving events. Their website includes information for young people, parents, teachers and volunteers.
- Text the Effects: a drug information service via SMS.
Simply text the name of the drug you want to know about to: 0439 tell me (0439 835 563). - DrugInfo: Easily access reliable information about alcohol and other drugs by calling or emailing DrugInfo.
