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Schoolies

Schoolies is a chance for young people to mark the milestone of graduating high school and embrace their growing independence. It’s a once in a lifetime experience shared with school friends all celebrating their achievements.

Preparing your child for Schoolies

It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your child before Schooolies to discuss personal safety strategies, educate them on the law, and if they’re over 18 years old, what the alcohol limits are.

Large events like Schoolies can carry risks to personal safety. Discussing ahead of time strategies and plans can help prepare your child if they find themselves in a situation they’re not comfortable with.

In NSW if you’re under 18 years old, it is illegal to:

  • buy or attempt to buy alcohol in a licensed premises
  • consume alcohol in a licensed premises
  • drink or carry alcohol in an alcohol-free zone

It is also illegal for someone to sell or provide alcohol to anyone under 18.

Breaking these laws can result in being fined up to $2,200 per offence, and the licensee or approved manager can be permanently disqualified and the liquor licence suspended.

Anyone who appears to look under 25 years old may need to provide proof of age when entering a licensed venue or buying or consuming alcohol from that venue. Accepted proof of age IDs includes:

  • Australian driver licence – learners, provisional, and full licences are accepted
  • Australian or other passport
  • NSW photo card
  • Proof of age card issued by a public authority of the Commonwealth or of another State or Territory that attests to a person's identity and age
  • Keypass identity card issued by Australia Post

It's against the law to use false identification documents as proof of age to get into a licensed venue. Using a false ID may result in a fine of up to $2,200 or an on-the-spot penalty of $220. Provisional drivers may also have 6 months added to their driver licence.

Adults who allow a minor to use their ID, may be fined up to $3,300 or given an on-the-spot fine of $330.

Plan for risky situations – ideas to discuss:

  • what they should do if they can't get home, or back to the place they’re staying
  • how they can contact you to let you know there is a problem
  • how to identify warning signs or red flags that they may be in a risky situation
  • an exit plan for situations they’re not comfortable in
  • using technology like their smartphone to pin their location and send it to a safe person, or how to use the emergency SOS feature
  • looking out for friends who may be intoxicated or in a risky situation themselves
  • keep an eye on their drinks at all times  and to be aware of drink spiking.

It’s important that your child understands that they won’t be in trouble for contacting you or finding themselves in a situation they need help getting out of, whether that is the police or by calling 000

Resources:

Drinking alcohol can affect your body and your mind. These guidelines are to help lower the risk of alcohol-related harm.

A standard drink

A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol regardless of the size of the container (glass, bottle, can) or type of alcohol (beer, wine, spirit).

375ml can or bottle full-strength beer = 1.4 standard drinks
150ml wine = 1.4 standard drinks
30 ml spirits = 1 standard drink.

How much can I drink?

For most healthy adults - more than 4 standard drinks on a single occasion and you risk alcohol-related injury.