Schoolies
The abuse and misuse of alcohol during Schoolies Week is of great concern to the Queensland Government.
As our children celebrate the end of 12 years of schooling, we all hope they will do so in a safe and responsible manner. We want them to come home unscathed and unburdened by mistakes that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
Tips for keeping your children safe
- Don’t purchase liquor for your underage children to take to Schoolies Week.
- If your child is over 18, please encourage them to avoid high-alcohol-content premixed drinks.
- Talk to other parents of children sharing accommodation to make sure you know how much alcohol in total is going to be available.
- Discuss responsible behaviour with your children. Tips for discussion are included in this brochure.
- Providing alcohol in circumstances where there is no responsible supervision of consumption is highly risky and should be avoided.
- Do not give in to pressure to supply alcohol to your son or daughter for Schoolies celebrations.
Topics to discuss with School leavers
- Watch your mates - take turns for one person in the unit to stay sober and watch out for each other.
- Moderate your drinking - space your alcoholic drinks with a glass of water or a non-alcoholic drink.
- Know your limits and don’t lose control – accidents and fights happen when people consume too much alcohol in short timeframes.
- Finish each drink before you have another – this will help you control the number of drinks you have consumed.
- Eat before and while you drink - avoid salty foods as they will only make you thirsty.
- Too much alcohol can kill – don’t leave friends passed out and alone, if your friend is unconscious call an ambulance or seek help from a Schoolies Week Volunteer.
- Avoid the perils of drink walking – stay on the footpath, walk with a sober friend and cross only at crossings and traffic lights.
- Don’t buy drinks for mates –if you buy drinks for a mate who has had too much you can be fined up to $6000. if you buy drinks for a mate who is under 18 you can be fined up to $6000.
- Be careful when you go out - if you leave your accommodation unit to join in other activities and have been drinking too much you can be fined for being drunk in a public place.
- Don’t Fake it - fake IDs can land you in court with fines of up to $4000. It is also illegal to borrow and lend IDs, and these practices are fined heavily.
- You don’t need to drink to have fun – there are many alcohol free activities provided for young people throughout Schoolies Week.
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Last reviewed 2 January 2009
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