So, you're in year 12, you can see the finish line and it's time to party! It's true that you have worked hard and celebration is deserved, however, Schoolies Week needs to be approached with careful consideration and you will need to have plans in place so that you can avoid unwanted trouble.
| Be aware of the following: |
- Older people wanting to "hang out" with you -
Older guys are much more experienced than you! Chances are
they were at Schoolies Week last year, the year before that…probably
every year for the last 10 years…and they know what they want
and how to get it. You are the target! Be aware and take precautions
such as: never wonder off alone, keep a mobile
phone on hand, watch your drinks, and don't get drunk!
- Fights break out - In a crowd so large,
especially with alcohol in the mix, fights are likely to break
out at any given time for any given reason. Keep alert and
stay out of harm's way.
- Younger friends - Don't encourage your
younger friends to attend Schoolies Week. They are under age
and at risk of getting into trouble. They will have their
turn when they complete year 12.
- Drink Spiking - Never put your drink down,
watch the person pouring your drink…don't trust ANYONE!
- Drugs - For some reason many people who
don't usually do drugs, think it's OK at Schoolies Week. Unfortunately,
this can lead to putting yourself in more danger due to feeling
disoriented. STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS!!! They mess with your thoughts
and you can act in ways you never usually would.
- Alcohol intake - Be very careful. Drinking
lots, quickly seems to be a "cool" thing to do at Schoolies!
It's really not cool and can lead to being severely and dangerously
intoxicated. You don't want to be at the hospital getting
your stomach pumped when you could be having a great time
with your friends!
- Sexual Assault - At Schoolies Week this
is common! You need to protect yourself! Don't flirt with
strangers. Be careful at the beach and when you walk back
to your apartment. Watch out for your friends and help to
keep each other safe.
|
Having covered most of the dangers associated with Schoolies, remember that it's about having a great time and chilling out after all the hard work you've put in at school. So have fun but be safe!
Here are some sites for further information: schooliesweek.qld.gov.au
& schoolies.org.au.
Comments
Schoolies 2007
This is especially for the girls who are graduating this year like I am. Schoolies is a fantastic week full of fun and excitement.
But I have a few tips from female friends who attended schoolies last year.
1) Stay together, especially if you have a few intoxicated girls in the group- they are more vulnerable because they have been drinking.
2) If you are drinking, try and match one alcoholic drink with a glass of water. This will prevent dehydration, which is fairly common in the schoolies environment.
3)ALWAYS make sure that you have at least one person in the group who isn't planning on drinking or getting drunk. This will ensure that, if an accident occurs, they will be able to make proper decisions and help out, without being intoxicated.
A good idea before you head off to your schoolies is to find out from friends who went the previous year. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember! The more you know about the event, the better prepared you will be.
Ex Oh