Information for educators
The end of Year 12 is in sight for both you and your students. You’re looking forward to a well-earned break, and as for your students, some of them are looking forward to (yes, you guessed it)… Schoolies!
You’ve done all the hard work preparing your students academically for their lives ahead. The resources and information contained within this section can assist you in providing them with the information they need to safely navigate the Schoolies celebration period. Not only that, but our tips and resources will give all students (regardless of whether they intend on participating in the Schoolies phenomenon or not) tools to help them navigate the next chapter of their lives as young adults.
The last day of school. A moment in time these teens won't easily forget.
Schoolies has become a rite of passage for tens of thousands of young Australians, with many planning their end of year celebrations years in advance. It's typically a time when school leavers head off to various locations for a well-deserved break to mark this major milestone in their lives.
Since the 1970s, the Gold Coast has been a favourite destination for many Queenslanders.
On average, 20,000 school leavers descend on Surfers Paradise annually. The majority are under the age of 18 and unable to enter licensed venues. These two factors, combined with the first time many have been away from home, a period of great change and uncertainty, mix in alcohol, drugs and peer group pressure, and you've got a higher chance of risk-taking behaviour.
Whilst the majority of the teens are well behaved with only a small percentage making poor choices, the Queensland Government, in partnership with the City of Gold Coast, activates a safety response to ensure the Gold Coast community and schoolies are kept safe.
Safety measures and services include: presentation of the Safer Schoolies Education Program to year 12s throughout the year, Safer Schoolies wristbanding for genuine year 12 school leavers only, Schoolies Hub, a dedicated toolie, drug and alcohol-free area for genuine schoolies to enjoy safely with their friends, support on the ground including increased police and emergency services presence, compliance officers checking IDs and licensed venues, - a suite of health and support services and an army of wonderful volunteers offering a safe walk home, cups of water or a friendly face to talk to.
Whilst young, underage people continue to coverage on the Gold Coast to celebrate the end of their schooling, the Queensland Government will continue to respond by providing safety measures and services to help keep young people and the local community safe. Schoolies often say the thing they most enjoy about their Schoolies experience is the time spent with friends.
The Safer Schoolies team encourage all schoolies to value their friendships and make their end-of-year celebrations safe, fun, and memorable for all the right reasons.
Safer Schoolies Education Sessions
Safer Schoolies is a Queensland Government safety initiative that assists school leavers in staying safe and making good choices.
Our team provides FREE School Safety Sessions for Year 12 students in Queensland, promoting safe and responsible behaviour as they prepare for Schoolies Week and for the next chapter in their lives as young adults.
School Education Safety Sessions for Year 12 Students
The Safer Schoolies Education Session delivers key safety messages and important information direct to Year 12 students in Queensland.
A one-hour session will be delivered at your school by one of the Safer Schoolies team or online via video conference. Sessions are interactive and are available throughout the year in the lead up to Schoolies Week.
Topics covered include:
- risks associated with alcohol, vaping, and other drugs
- sexual health and consent
- emotional health and wellbeing
- friendships and expectations
- rights and responsibilities
- social media and privacy
- accommodation safety and what you need to know.
Our face-to-face sessions can be delivered in the South East Queensland and Brisbane Metro areas. If your school is located outside these areas, we may be able to offer the session online.
Book a 2025 Safer Schoolies Educational Session
Complete the below form to book a FREE Safer Schoolies Education Session for your Year 12 cohort, provided by the Queensland Government's Safer Schoolies Team.
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