Schoolies
As Year 12 ‘Schoolies’ celebrations kick off around the country, new DrinkWise research has revealed that many Schoolies are choosing sit ups over schooners. The new research has revealed 9 in 101 attendees at Schoolies last year engaged in activities that didn’t involve alcohol, with 33% choosing to exercise with friends, highlighting a shift in behaviour away from risky drinking.
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan welcomed the continued shift in behaviour but acknowledges there is still a portion of Schoolies attendees who continue to drink at risky levels and wants to remind all year 12 school leavers of the importance of moderating their consumption if drinking alcohol and staying safe during celebrations.
“We know how hard year 12 students have worked throughout the year and how they view Schoolies as an important reward for their efforts. While we want them to have a great time, moderation for those drinking and safety for all remains the priority.
“It’s great to see attendees are choosing to engage in activities like exercising, going to the beach and even alcohol-free dining at restaurants, but the research also found that 26% of Schoolies attendees drank every day1 and 14% regretted their actions due to excessive alcohol consumption1. Additionally, our research has also found that 20% were drinking more after attending Schoolies, which is why our moderation messaging is so important,” added Mr Strahan.
We know for many Schoolies this is their first time away without their parents and that can be a little daunting. While it’s understandably a chance to celebrate the end of their schooling, we want to ensure everyone stays safe and makes good choices, especially if consuming alcohol.
DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer - Simon Strahan
To help ensure a safe Schoolies experience and encourage responsible alcohol consumption, the DrinkWise Schoolies Survival Tips campaign will be seen in over 700 retail stores in popular Schoolies hotspots around the country, providing reminders about the importance of moderation at the point of purchase and prior to consumption. This inclusion of in-store materials is supported by Endeavour Group, Coles Liquor, IGA Liquor and Retail Drinks Australia member stores.
DrinkWise also engages Schoolies attendees through geo-located social media posts at locations including Surfers Paradise, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Rottnest Island, Dunsborough, Victor Harbor, Rosebud, Philip Island and Lorne.
Additional messages will also heard on Spotify (music streaming service).
Through the Schoolies Survival Tips campaign, these reminders will reach Schoolies before and during drinking occasions, encouraging them to moderate their intake, pace themselves and look out for their friends.
If heading off on a Schoolies holiday, DrinkWise recommends the following tips for school leavers to have a fun and safe time:
Always have your phone on you —make sure it is charged!
If you are drinking, make sure to have something to eat before and during.
Pace any alcohol intake and hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks — water is your friend!
Try swapping a full-strength alcoholic drink for a zero or lower-strength drink.
Be extra cautious with drinks that have a high alcohol content.
Stay with friends and keep an eye out for one another.
Don’t drink drive or get into a car being driven by someone who’s been drinking.
Avoid risky situations, such as swimming after drinking or getting into arguments and fights.
Beware of drink spiking – don’t let your drink out of your sight.
Let your parents or family back home know where you’re staying and who you’re travelling with.
Keep in contact with your parents or guardians throughout the week, so that they know you are safe.
Register as a school leaver with the Schoolies organisation in the area you’re visiting.
Put your ‘in case of emergency number’ (ICE) and Medical ID in your phone — you can also set an image of them as your lock screen.
In an emergency, call 000.
Call your parents or guardians at any time if you get into trouble or just need to talk.
Keep money aside for emergencies.
Backed by research
As an evidence-based organisation, DrinkWise relies on key independent research and clinical advice to underpin our campaigns and programs. The Schoolies Survival Tips were guided by experts in social marketing and research. In 2024, DrinkWise conducted an Alcohol at Schoolies Study with recent Schoolies attendees. The Study found:
The campaign
The targeted messaging placement (in retail stores, social media and Spotify) sees the campaign reach Schoolies prior to and while drinking, reminding them of the importance of:
- moderating their drinking
- pacing themselves
- looking after their friends.
Examples of posters/social
Video
Audio
