In less than a week teenagers from all over the country will be heading to “Leavers” or “Schoolies” week.

They gather with their friends to celebrate the end of the high schooling together and ‘blow off steam before entering the next stage of life'. For many, it’s their first real taste of independent adult life.

For many parents, it’s a time to worry their head off that their precious child is going to be lead astray by everyone else’s rogue child!

It’s probably the last thing your teenager wants, a lecture from Mum or Dad, who frankly, in their opinion, knows absolutely nothing about what it’s like to be a teenager. But, it’s important in all families to have that quiet chat with your child about the potential risks and how to have fun but keep themselves safe and keep an eye out for their mates.

And perhaps even more importantly, what to do if it goes wrong. No teenager really welcomes these chats ... that's why I always found the car a good place … they can’t escape!

 

So, to get you started, here are the 3 top tips from one of my sons, who's been there and done that:

• Carry an absurd amount of water. It will all get used.
• Dont 'pre' too hard - it's not worth wasting a night before it's begun. 
• Always wear shoes!!!

 

Now I know there will be parents reading this saying to themselves, I don't need to bother my child with this, he/she is a good kid; they make good choices, I trust their judgement. And they are probably right about their kid, probably.   But I say, 'never say never', you'll be asking for the universe to prove you wrong. I am not trying to be alarmist but all it takes is one dodgy pill, one spiked drink, one unaccompanied drunken swim ...

Don't you remember being young and feeling invincible? It is so easy to get caught up in the euphoria of the whole celebration, and no one makes their best decisions all of the time.  A quick chat about the potential risks and what options your child has if they (or their friends) do find themselves in a tricky position can't do any harm, can it?

If you're a separated family, it will benefit your teenager so much if both parents are on the same page and delivering the same message.  Don’t leave it up to the other parent to take the lead.  Discuss your plan of action with each other, with plenty of time to ensure that you are both aware of the arrangements and everything is organised with your child around transport, accommodation and catering logistics.  And, agree on a contingency plan in case of an unfortunate emergency.

Here’s 12 tips to share with your teenager to help them have a thoroughly memorable time and come home in one piece … as well has saving you a few extra grey hairs.

 

1. Get the right ticket

Most of the schoolies events will have a wristband, passport or ticket you’ll need to show in order to gain pre-paid entrance to organised events.

The purpose of the wristband is to show the organisers that you are a genuine 2016 school leaver.  You will require photo ID and in some cases, documentation from your school to prove your enrolment and graduation.  Check on the website of the Schoolies or Leavers week you are attending to find out what is required to purchase the wristband. Most of them have to be purchased in person, on the grounds of the event at the start of the week. There’s a limit of one per person and you cannot buy on someone else’s behalf.

If you are attending Bali or Fiji Schoolies, you will also be required to show proof of adequate Travel Insurance at time of travel.

    *  Don't lose your wrist band as they are inconvenient and expensive to replace.

 

2. Accommodation

Book your accommodation before departure. Camping in public places or sleeping in cars is not allowed and you could be fined.  Be sure your parents know the address and contact details of the place you are staying before you leave.

If you change accommodation, tell your parents – to spare them worry, and you the humiliation of them calling the police to find you.

Proprietors and landlords are understandably strict when they have so many young people as tenants. Check the terms and conditions and house rules in your accommodation contract. Contact the accommodation manager prior to booking if you have any queries. Failure to abide by the rules could see you being evicted from the accommodation early or losing your bond.

A few of the rules which are generally issued by accommodation owners:

•             The registered guest is responsible for the actions of ALL persons in their accommodation.

•             Groups can be evicted due to the actions of one person.

•             Keep noise down to avoid disturbing others.

•             Keep your accommodation secure at all times. Often theft or damage is not covered by insurance.

     * Let your folks know when you have arrived safely and checked in. 

 

3. Transport

There are a large number of inexperienced drivers on the roads at this time of the year. Most car accidents are caused by driving tired, driving drunk and being inexperienced.

Special shuttle buses are scheduled to and from venues to major accommodation hubs. Use public transport where possible so the onus is not one or two people to transport the rest.

Don’t drink and drive. If you are heading out, nominate a driver or leave the car at home. There are restrictions on novice Provisional Drivers including the hours when they are allowed to drive, so make sure you don't get stuck out after the driving curfew.

A P-plate driver's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) must be zero.

     *  Be careful about driving the morning after a big night, not only will you be tired but you may still have a positive blood alcohol reading.

 

4. Drugs

You will most likely be offered illicit and dangerous substances. Just say no. Why risk the future you’ve been studying so hard for, with one unfortunate choice?  

There are fears that a powerful new hallucinogenic drug has arrived on the Gold Coast just in time for the upcoming Schoolies celebrations. Sixteen people were hospitalised in the past few days, all of whom were hallucinating and exhibiting bizarre behaviour including running into traffic.

Drugs are illegal and offenders caught with them will almost certainly be handed over to the police. Remember, a drug record will seriously limit your future travel prospects, as many countries deny entrance to visa applicants with criminal records.

Every year at Leavers, there are people who don't usually use drugs but for some reason they decide to let rip and give it a try in this party environment, (usually when they are already three sheets to the wind and not making the best choices). With the help of trained medical assistance, most of them live to regret it.

If you are drinking and suddenly feel really out of it - but in a way you have never felt before while drinking (you will feel really sick) - you have probably had your drink spiked. Get help ASAP, you need to go to hospital!

     *  The paramedics treat overdoses differently depending on what drug has been taken. So, if you tell your friends what you are using, they will be able to look out for you and if it goes wrong, they can tell the Ambos what you took.

 

5. Drink Spiking Happens

Spiking drinks is a reality. Keep an eye on your friends. Go to toilets together and get help the instant one of you feels unwell.

Don’t accept drinks from strangers, have only drinks you’ve opened or seen opened and poured and this includes water.  Avoid ice cubes – some barmen may spike them.

If you suddenly feel really disorientated, feel out of control and start acting well out of character in a way you have never felt before while drinking (you will also probably feel really sick) - you may have had your drink spiked with drugs. Ask your friends to get you medical assistance ASAP. You need to go to hospital!

     *  If you leave your drink to go and dance, don’t go back and finish it, rather buy another drink.

 

6. Pace Yourself

For many, this will be the first experience of excessive drinking (or so us parents would like to believe!).

Even though some of the venues are alcohol free, secondary supply laws exist to prevent alcohol being bought or provided to those underage and there are designated alcohol free zones at over 18s events, everyone acknowledges there is a river of alcohol on offer at schoolies.  A newbie drinker can easily overdo it. 

Drinking too quickly and not knowing your limits adds to the risk of making bad choices which might result in unsafe sex and accidents or hangovers that ruin your party experience.

Decide on your drinks limit each night and drink over a longer period of time instead of ‘preloading’. Drink plenty of water and stick with your friends.

     * Eat before you start drinking and drink plenty of water.

 

7. Media Coverage

Schoolies, or Leavers is a big event nationwide and most news networks give it a lot of coverage.

Social media is a huge part of our modern lives and it really can be a good way of recording a series of great experiences with friends … but it can also have detrimental consequences.

Remember there will be thousands of selfies and videos taken by others so you may be filmed at any time and you can be charged for behaviour captured in these images.

The whole week is a high profile event and media outlets are looking for footage and article content. Protect your privacy by making sure your social media profiles are set to private.

Think before you share because if you post something compromising the consequences can affect your future.  If it doesn’t pass the Granny test, you might be better off not posting it.  Be careful about drinking and texting or posting … it’ll wait until the morning and you don’t want to regret it.

Don’t post compromising or embarrassing pictures of your friends. Be aware that posts on social media often have your location linked to it.  You may not want to be broadcasting that to ‘friends’ you have just accepted but don’t really know.

If something does happen that you feel the media should know about and broadcast for the greater good, it's a good idea to get advice from your parents or someone who can safeguard your interests before you do.

     *  TV cameras tend to bring out the idiot in some people so be aware that wherever the cameras are in the crowd, is probably an idiot infested zone and somewhere to be avoided.

 

8. Plan your budget

Don’t forget you have to eat!  Save some money for buying food.  If it's feasible, it's helpful to prepare some food beforehand to take with you.

Most of the kids I know ran out of money at leavers, underestimating how much they would spend on grog, late night food binges, shouting their mates who don’t seem to put their hands in their pocket or just outright losing cash in their drunken meanderings. 

Don’t keep all of your money in the one place but do keep it safe if you are leaving cards or cash at your accommodation.

Make sure you always have enough money for transport home.  Sign up for Uber before you leave so at least if you have your phone with you, you won’t need cash to get home.

     * Keep a sneaky $20 tucked away in your shoe, your bra, even taped to the sole of your foot with a wad of duct tape!

 

9. Your parents are your best bet!

Arrange to SMS your parents to check in every now and then, and do it – it will give them peace of mind and stop them constantly calling and embarrassing you when you’re with friends.

Know that there’s no ‘bad time’ to call your parents – if you need to cry about a broken heart at 3am, they will be relieved that you turned to them for advice.

If you need them to offer advice on a difficult friend, loan you money, arrange emergency transport or assist in a medical emergency, they are going to be pleased you called them first.  Yes, you might hear about it for a while, but they are the most likely to have your best interests at heart.  Trust them to be there to help you out.

     * Message them, before they message you.

 

10. 'No' means no

Be aware of the ‘hooking up’ competitions and other such antics that go on, and don't become a target - or a player for that matter.

It's no secret that Schoolies Week means tens of thousands of teenagers in the one place for a couple of weeks - every leech in the country knows this.  And there'll definitely be a group of older kids trying to get in on the act. They are sometimes referred to as “toolies”  (Too Old for Schoolies)

'There are heaps of older people in and around the events either wanting sex from you, wanting to pick fights with you, wanting you to join their religion or wanting you to buy something,' said a female school leaver who attended the event last year.

Perhaps the biggest risk is the illicit drugs they offering to sell you when you are already drunk and have absolutely no idea what it is you are actually purchasing.

     * If it’s not light and fun and if you or your friends feel threatened, intimidated or you are harassed or assaulted, report it.

 

11. Your Safety Net

Look out for the awesome Red Frogs; the legendary volunteer network that safeguards the young revellers (and as was the case for my son and his mates last year, cleaned up their party mess and made them pancakes in the morning!).

They give out free water outside events and clubs to keep you hydrated and they’ll walk you home safely.

Preload the Red Frog's number in your phone, as well as the numbers of all of your friends, the numbers of their parents and the reception, owner or manager of your accommodation.

     * The Red Frogs are there to help in any situation, so save their number in your phone.

 

12.  Have a Blast!

Photo: CourierMail via The TourismNews

Generally, these events are extremely well organised, the people there are in good spirits and there are few incidents to be alarmed about.

Take a few moments before you leave to prepare yourself in case of emergencies and then go let your hair down with your friends and make some awesome memories to last a lifetime!

     * Have fun!  Be safe!  Look out for your mates!

 

To the Mums and Dads of this years' revellers

It was my experience with both of my year 12 leavers that the kids have a fantastic time.  Yes, they did drink too much! Yes, there were drugs on offer, far more than even the kids expected! Hopefully they made the right choices! 

They had a ball!  They all looked out for each other.  They came back with stories of hilarious adventures and inappropriate selfies (none of which I was fully privy to) and the utmost respect for The Red Frogs.

They made some unexpected observations about their friends after living with them in close quarters. They formed several new friendships which they will carry with them for a long time. 

Oh, and they were exhausted and longing for some solitude in the confines of their own space, which made for a pleasantly quiet household for at least a few days.

 

For more information, visit: www.schoolies.org.au

To find out about more about The Red Frogs, listen to an interview with 'Boss Frog'.  He's been helping kids stay safe for 20 years!

 

Published by, Christine Weston
Divorce Resource
16th November, 2016