Partying safely at schoolies

Celebrating a big milestone with friends can be a lot of fun. Intense partying, travel and late nights are easier to enjoy if you pace yourself and plan ahead, so you are aware of the risks and know what to do in an emergency.

Plan ahead#

Decide what your limits are before you go, so you can avoid situations you would rather not be in.

• Think about where you draw the line around sex, alcohol and drugs. Talk to your friends about where they stand and how you can look out for one another.
• Agree on a code word that anyone can use if they feel uncomfortable and want to leave a situation without having to explain themselves to others.
• Let your family or someone you trust know where you are going and who you are going with, so they can check in on you.
• Work out how you will travel safely and build that into your plans.

If you have a health condition, it helps to know how alcohol or other drugs might affect you and how they could interact with any medication you take. Ask your doctor about this, and look for reliable information online.

If you are travelling, make sure you know what to do in an emergency and what any insurance or cover you have includes. If you are going overseas, arrange travel insurance that covers medical emergencies before you leave.

What to pack#

Useful things to take include:

• A broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing to avoid sunburn
• Insect repellent and covering clothing to keep mosquitoes away
• A small first aid kit
• Any medications you need, plus a copy of your prescriptions
• A phone and charger, and identification
• Contraception, such as condoms and dental dams, to help prevent sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
• Hand sanitiser (with at least 60% alcohol) and a face mask for crowded indoor spaces

Staying safe where you are staying#

In a group, you may find yourself doing things you would not do alone. A few simple habits help:

• Stick to the house rules so you do not get kicked out of your accommodation.
• Carry your accommodation details with you in case you get lost or need a ride back.
• Keep your room locked. If you are sharing, know who has the key or card and stay with them, or leave the key at the front desk if there is a 24-hour concierge.
• Before going out, agree on a place to meet in case you get separated.
• Stick with your friends, watch out for each other, and walk to and from busy areas in groups rather than alone.
• Avoid going off with people you do not know, especially if you have been drinking.
• Keep your phone charged.
• Carry some spare cash.
• Keep your shoes on outside, even on the beach, and watch out for sharp objects such as broken glass in crowded areas.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended. Take turns looking after everyone’s things.
• Steer clear of groups that seem to be looking for trouble. Violence can spread quickly through a crowd, so do not hang around to watch if a fight breaks out.

Alcohol#

If you choose to drink, be smart about it. You want to remember the good times, not wake up unwell or too out of it to enjoy yourself.

• Know your limits and try not to push yourself too hard.
• Eat something before you start drinking.
• Pace yourself by alternating an alcoholic drink with water or another soft drink.
• Stay hydrated.

Keep an eye on your drinks. Anyone can spike a drink with alcohol or other drugs, including people you know.

• Do not accept drinks, including water, from strangers.
• Buy your own and choose drinks with lids you open yourself.
• Watch bar staff prepare your drink.
• If you all leave for the dance floor, buy fresh drinks afterwards.

If you suspect a drink has been spiked, tell the venue manager or host immediately and get help.

Drugs#

If you decide to take drugs, take care:

• Research what you are taking, as reactions and side effects can be hard to predict.
• Stick with your friends and let them know what you have taken, so they can pass this information to medical staff if you have a bad reaction.
• Some substances may contain unknown fillers, which makes effects difficult to gauge. New or unfamiliar substances are often more unpredictable and more dangerous.
• Be careful about mixing different substances, including alcohol, at the same time. They can interact badly and increase the risk of overdose or a bad experience.
• Do not give in to peer pressure. It is okay to say no if you do not feel comfortable.

Remember that drug laws differ from place to place, and some have heavy penalties for using or carrying drugs. Be cautious and do your research before you travel.

You do not have to drink or take drugs to have a good time. If you are feeling down or anxious, try to avoid alcohol and other drugs, as they can make those feelings worse. Trust your instincts, and if you feel unsafe, move away from the situation.

Looking out for one another#

Some people prey on those who are partying, including adults who take advantage of young people who have been drinking or taking drugs. You cannot always trust people you have just met, so stay with your friends and do not wander off alone or with someone you do not know.

Be aware that when you are partying, others may post things about you on social media that you later regret.

Consent and sexual assault#

Sex must be consensual. That means respecting others’ decisions when they say no, and recognising that someone who is too intoxicated cannot give consent.

If someone is pressuring you to have sex, or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell them. Unfortunately, sexual assault can happen, even with people we know. If you experience sexual assault, you can seek help from a doctor or a confidential support service, whether or not you choose to report it to the police.

What to do in an emergency#

Call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) and ask for an ambulance if someone has any of these signs:

• Severe bleeding
• Difficulty breathing, or not breathing
• Unconsciousness, or extreme drowsiness
• Lips, face or fingernails turning blue, or grey or ashen skin
• Seizures, severe pain, agitation or confusion
• Chest pain or tightness
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• Serious accidents, trauma or burns

If someone is not breathing normally or their heart has stopped, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If they are breathing normally, gently roll them onto their side into the recovery position and wait for the ambulance.

If you take drugs, tell ambulance staff what was taken so they can treat the person properly.

If things go wrong or you are worried:

• Talk to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member.
• Let others know how you are feeling, especially if you or someone with you is having thoughts of self-harm or is in crisis.
• Go to a safe place and keep a trusted person with you.

Key points#

• If you are sharing a room, know who has the key or card, and stick with them.
• Leave the key at the front desk if there is a 24-hour concierge.
• Walk to and from busy areas in groups.
• If you are feeling down or anxious, try to avoid alcohol and other drugs, as they can make symptoms worse.
• Try to stay alert in situations that are risky.

Where to get help#