School is nearly out for the class of 2018.
If your son or daughter is planning to celebrate by attending Schoolies Week, reduce your anxiety levels by being prepared and helping them to celebrate safely.
The end of Year 12 can be an anxious time for parents and carers as their teenagers embrace and explore their new-found freedom and independence, particularly at events like Schoolies Week.
It’s important that you talk to your teen about their plans and learn what services and groups are available on the ground during Schoolies Week to support young people.
If you’re not sure what’s available or how to start the conversation, the Queensland Government has developed a range of resources and check lists that parents can draw on when talking with their sons and daughters about celebrating safely at Schoolies | LEARN MORE
Three groups that play different support roles in the safe running of Schoolies celebrations each year shared their experiences, insights, knowledge and advice with parents during a webinar on 1 November.
Parents who missed the webinar can access a recording here | WEBINAR
The webinar featured representatives from the following three groups:
Safer Schoolies Initiative (QLD Government) – is a whole-of-government response to the Schoolies holiday season across Queensland. The Queensland Government does not promote Schoolies, rather works in partnership with local council and community groups to provide diversionary activities, support services and safety initiatives to help young people stay safe during end-of-school celebrations and minimise potential impacts of these gatherings on local communities. There are two key Schoolies locations across Queensland – Airlie Beach and the Gold Coast. Each location provides services to support school-leavers, including street patrols, walk-home services, Schoolies-only areas, free water and medical assistance.
Red Frogs – in 1997, Red Frogs Australia founder Andy Gourley hit Schoolies Week on the Gold Coast with his skateboarding mates and realised the need for a designated sober person. Over the next 20 years, Red Frogs grew to be the largest harm-prevention program in Australia for both Schoolies and universities. In situations such as Schoolies/Leavers Week, excessive consumption of alcohol and other substances means that things can often get out of hand and potentially alter the direction of a young person’s future. The Red Frog crew act as the eyes and ears in accommodation venues and out on the streets, providing a positive peer presence to school leavers. Each year over 1500 Red Frog volunteers provide direct relief, safety and support to young people during Schoolies Week across 17 locations nationally and internationally.
Schoolies.com – provided tips and advice regarding the practicalities of booking accommodation for Schoolies venues across the country. Schoolies.com is in its 30th year of operation with over 580,000 students having used their services in that time. They offer centralised, online (or telephone) booking services for over 140 properties in all popular Schoolies destinations nationally (QLD, NSW,VIC, WA) and internationally (Bali, Fiji). Packages offered to students include photo ID passes, 24-hour helpline for students/parents/property managers and additional security arrangements.
The webinar was hosted by the Independent Schools Digital Collaboration Network.
