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 supply drinks to a mate who has had too much you can be fined up to $8000. If you supply drinks to a mate who is under 18 you can be fined up to $8000.
- 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 prosecuted 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.
For more information on Schoolies, a fact sheet (PDF 365 K) is available.
Parents can obtain additional information on how to talk to your child from the website of the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Ageing.
Last reviewed 16 May 2012