Five Ways to Stay Safe During Leavers

Trigger warning: this article discusses drug and alcohol consumption and sex.

With exam snz rolling to an end, Leavers or Schoolies is just around the corner, so get keen you rowdy teens.

In all seriousness, while Leavers is a super fun time of year and the best opportunity to celebrate the end of your high school career, you can sometimes find yourself in dangerous situations when partying.

To make sure you’ve got yourself and your mates covered this upcoming Leavers week, here are five simple ways to party smarter and stay safe.

1. Check your state rules and get vaxxed.

First things first, thanks to nasty ol’ COVID-19 you’ll want to make sure that Schoolies events are even happening at a location near you and whether or not you need to be vaccinated to attend.

Due to lockdowns and low vaccination rates, heaps of Schoolies and Leavers events have been canned and the Western Australian State Government is requiring all Leavers attendees to have at least one COVID-19 vaccination to go to events in 2021. You can find out more about the rules here.

Find out which states and locations are hosting Schoolies/Leavers events near you on the Leavers or Schoolies websites.

Check out the government’s resources on COVID-19 vaccines, chat with your GP, and book an appointment at your local vaccination clinic.

If you’re not sure about your eligibility just yet, you can find out and book in at a clinic here.

2. Avoid drugs and alcohol.

This next tip is an obvious one, but we all need to hear it. While Schoolies is the time for partying, you should make efforts to avoid drugs and alcohol, especially if you are under the legal drinking age of 18.

If you are over 18 and choose to drink, make sure to pace yourself and keep close to your friends. Even better, keep a trusted friend or adult that is sober nearby. 

If you do end up taking drugs or drinking alcohol, there are resources and help available to keep you safe and feeling well.

At most Leavers events there should be medics available to help you if you are unwell. Don’t worry if you have taken drugs or consumed alcohol, they are there to help you stay safe, not to call the police.

Before you party, make sure to read up on the government's Drug Aware and Alcohol Think Again websites. They’re both great resources on what to do if you do partake and ways to seek help.

3. Stay hydrated and sun smart.

Regardless of whether you’re drinking alcohol or not, don’t forget to make an effort to stay hydrated.

Some Schoolies events can be on during the day, so to avoid passing out or feeling sick, carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

On top of that, sunscreen is always a must. Bring some trendy sunnies, a bucket had and your favourite Bondi Sands sunscreen and lather up. No one likes a sunburn or feeling sick from getting too much heat, so stay sun smart to party to your fullest.

4. Use protection.

While Leavers is a place for parting it’s also a great way to meet new people and make some friends.

Sometimes, you might meet someone at Schoolies that you have an intimate relationship with. If this is the case, it’s important to make an effort to have safe if you're sexually active.

Bring and use protection and make sure that both yourself and your partner are sober, consenting and are at or above the legal age of consent.

You can learn more about safe sex practices or how to take an STI test on the government’s Department of Health website.

5. Charge your phone.

Last but not least, make sure you have your phone on you at all times and that it’s fully charged.

If you ever get lost, lose a friend in the crowd or are in need of medical attention, your phone could be a lifesaver.

Better yet, turn on 'find my phone' services or bring a ‘Tile’ to attach to your belongings in case you lose anything.

Keep a buddy system with your friends and regularly stay in contact throughout the Leavers week and yourself and all your mates can have the best time.

There are loads of ways that you can look out for yourself and your mates this end of exam period, just make sure to make an effort and enjoy yourself. You deserve it after 14 years of school!

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: Leavers