Be Safe and Watch Your Mates message for school leavers

Students from the Queensland Academy of Creative Industries at Kelvin Grove are among 8000 Year 12 students across south-east Queensland who are being encouraged to Be Safe and Watch Your Mates, as Schoolies education sessions roll out to school leavers.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the sessions included important information to help young people stay safe as they marked the end of their school years.

“We want all of our Year 12 students who are celebrating at Schoolies this year to be safe, watch out for their mates and to think about their actions,” Ms Farmer said.

“That’s why from Palm Beach to Dakabin and west to Ipswich there will be more than 60 sessions delivered to our school leavers.

“These education sessions are a vital part of keeping our teens safe and provide them with some great safety tips including information and warnings about drugs and alcohol.

“But they will also remind students of their rights and responsibilities so that we can maximise their safety while minimising harm to Schoolies and disruption to the community.”

Ms Farmer said the school sessions would cover topics including expectations, welfare and emotional health, alcohol and drugs, online privacy, sexual health as well as information for those coming to the Gold Coast on wristbanding, support services and the Schoolies Hub.

“It is so important that we take the time now to talk to our school leavers so their time at Schoolies is memorable for all the right reasons,” she said.

“These sessions are being delivered by the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women in partnership with Queensland Police, where officers will talk directly to students about being responsible and safe and will be warning students that the consequences of underage drinking are far worse than a hangover.”

Ms Farmer said the department was also supporting the CHOICES presentations that will be delivered to about 3000 Year 12 students in Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville by Central Queensland University and the Queensland Police.

“Red Frogs Schoolies Education sessions will also be delivered to approximately 29,000 Year 12 students across the state,” she said.

For more information to prepare for a safe and memorable Schoolies period visit www.schoolies.qld.gov.au.

The Queensland Government does not promote Schoolies as an event. Instead it works in partnership with local councils and community groups to provide diversionary activities, support services and safety initiatives to help young people stay safe during end-of-school celebrations and to minimise potential impacts of these gatherings on the local community.

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman            0427 781 920