Staying safe at schoolies
Schoolies week is the time at the end of high school graduation when teenagers enjoy a week-long holiday after the hard work of their exams.
It is often the first time a young adult will take a holiday away from the family and is a great opportunity to form lifelong friendships, create memories and celebrate their achievements before heading off into paid employment.
As a parent, it may seem daunting that your child is going to attend a larger celebration at a known location. Below are some tips to help stay on top of information before and during your child’s trip. Another alternative is to discuss with your child and their friend’s parents to go away on holiday with a smaller group to a quieter location.
Top tips for parents of teenagers leaving for schoolies:
Have an open conversation with your child before they leave
Understand their expectations of the trip and express yours so there is a level of compromise. Come from a place of understanding so that your child is more likely to open up and discuss certain topics or reach out if they do need you.
Discuss scenarios which they may be presented with
What to do in a situation where someone crashes their party, insists on coming home with them, they get stranded on a night out or a fight (verbal or physical) happens between their friendship group.
Stay in contact
Let your child know you are available to call or text anytime, get in contact with the accommodation, have your child’s friend's numbers written down before they go and create a parent’s group chat of the children who are away.
Remind your child of the laws
It is worth discussing the laws that surround alcohol and other drugs, including age and location restrictions so they are informed about their choices. Refer to the Alcohol and drugs page for more information.
Discuss the effects of alcohol in a reasonable way
Reminding your child that they should have food alongside or before they start drinking, how they should pace themselves with the number of drinks (especially for spirits) and that their reaction time and coordination will be heavily affected meaning normal day-to-day tasks will become more difficult to do.
Discuss the importance of their friendship group
Your child’s friends are the most important people they will be around whilst away. They have the ability to look after each other in certain situations and create safety around leaving establishments with someone that they know. The more they do together, the more likely they will stay safe as a group.