While Year 12 students see Schoolies as a chance to celebrate, explore new experiences, and party with friends, it can be less exciting for many parents who might be concerned about their child navigating independence, possibly for the first time.
However, the experience doesn’t need to be a source of fear. With open communication and careful preparation, parents can approach this time with greater confidence and peace of mind, some experts reassure.
One of them is Professor Alison Hutton, who a leading researcher into young people’s health promotion, harm minimalisation and youth safety at Western Sydney University. Her work is leading to innovative new ways of supporting young people at social events such as Schoolies, outdoor music festivals and sporting tournaments.
Communicate the risks
In an article published by MCERA, Professor Hutton says parents should talk to their children before they leave for Schoolies about what they expect to do and who they are going to go with.
“Talk to them about staying safe, walk around in the daytime and agree on meeting places with friends in case they get separated from friends,” Professor Hutton said.
“It is important to remind them to stay with their groups of friends and to not allow a friend to go off on their own. It is also important that they do not go to unfamiliar places alone.”
Another helpful tip for parents, says Professor Hutton, is asking their child who they are going to Schoolies with and invite their parents over, or ring the parents so they can talk through how to support each other and who to call.
Don’t expect your child NOT to drink
Research shows a child’s development is deeply shaped by the people around them – whether it’s friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, or family members. These social interactions play a pivotal role in shaping their learning and behaviour. When it comes to Schoolies, alcohol consumption is often a common part of the experience, especially for those who have grown up in environments where drinking is normalised.
Professor Hutton says understanding alcohol consumption as “a predictable aspect” of the celebration is important.
“Remember that alcohol is a big part of Australian culture and that most Australian children are brought up in an environment where they see their parents celebrate birthdays, christenings and other special occasions with alcohol,” she said.
“So don’t expect your child NOT to drink. Think about how you can begin to have conversations with your adolescents about drinking before Schoolies – not just the week before.”
Stay hydrated, fed, and responsible
Professor Hutton said parents should remind their children to drink water and to have a good meal prior to drinking alcohol.
“Pace alcohol drinking, avoid drinking energy drinks and alcohol as mixing depressants (alcohol) with energy drinks can mask the effects of alcohol,” she said.”
“Schoolies is well attended by police, support workers and on-site medical care workers. Encourage them to seek help and support as needed. These people are there to support Schoolies and ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience.”
It is also important for parents to discuss with their child how to look after someone who is drunk, said Professor Hutton.
“Roll them over, clear their airway; ask for help. Don’t leave them alone,” she said. “Understand that peer pressure makes it difficult for your children to say no to alcohol and drugs so help your kids plan what they might say.”
Come up with an ‘out’
Professor Hutton said kids may need some help to come up with an ‘out’, such as:
- “I had a big weekend last weekend and I just want to go easy tonight”
- “Maybe later – I have already had a few and I need a break”
- “I have a big game (sports) tomorrow and I want to be ready for that”
Keep lines of communication open
Though young adults may rather avert having to contact their parents throughout the celebratory weekend, it’s important that a 24/7 line of communication is established, should children wish or need to contact their parents at any time, whilst also respecting the personal boundaries and privacy of their child.
Professor Hutton said it might be beneficial for parents to establish a regular contact schedule or a code word to ensure these boundaries are respected whilst still supporting their children throughout the event.
“Negotiate with your children for them to ring you at a specific time a day. Also if they would like to speak to you but don’t want their friends to know – organise a code word where they can text you and you can ring them,” she said.
“Ensure that they understand that they can ring you at any time if they need support. They may want to consider taking a battery charger.”
Professor Hutton said another helpful tip for parents is to encourage their child to identify two people who can support them while they are at Schoolies.
“Give each other your mobile phones before you leave for Schoolies,” she said. “Ensure your children know you are available to them if they need you. Ask your children if they have any concerns that they want to talk through with you before they go to Schoolies”.
Put your own safety first
Though the job as parents is to make sure their child is safe during Schoolies, it’s also up to their children to put their own safety first and think twice before making any decision. Professor Hutton said school leavers should plan ahead and not make split-second decisions which may potentially backfire.
“Consider how you are going to get to Schoolies. If possible take an organised bus or ask a parent to drive you. If you do want to go with friends, ask how many people are going in one car – you do not want to travel in an overcrowded car with an inexperienced driver,” she said.
“Take water to drink with you and some snack bars that are easy to grab when you need something to eat. Drinking on an empty tummy is not a good look.”
Planning ahead is also key, said Professor Hutton.
Think about what you will need to make your stay comfortable. For example, if you have asthma take a puffer,” she said.
“Think about how you might contact each other if your mobile runs out. Do you want to have a meeting point, walk through the Schoolies venue or caravan park before you start celebrating and work out some strategies to stay safe as a group.”
Professor Hutton said students should also keep a close eye on their friends where possible, dissuading them from going off with people that they don’t know on their own.
“Schoolies is a time for you to celebrate the end of school life and only comes around once for most of us: so have a good time, look after your mates and stay safe,” she said.
“Remember, there will be lots of support around the event, so seek help if you need it. Also, as drug use is becoming more prevalent, I would encourage young people to get their drugs checked if it is available.”
The original version of this article was published by MCERA.