A parents' guide to schoolies in Bali

School’s out forever and your amped teenager is off to Bali Schoolies Week to party like an invincible. What could possibly go wrong?   

Schoolies Week may be a rite of passage for school leavers in Australia. But it has understandably always stirred up massive parental freak-outs. 

It can be a challenging time. Worried parents may be remembering what unguided degenerates they were at that age or they may no longer understand how the world works and find the idea of schoolies parties all a bit scary. If parental advice is pushy, unrealistic, or outdated it will likely be ignored.

Schoolies pumped to paint the town

While there are real dangers to be aware of, try to keep them in perspective and not stress too much. Young people today are more informed and take fewer risks than previous generations. Give them some credit but not too much. Aim for a conversation rather than a lecture and insist they take out top-level travel insurance. 

School up on expert advice 

School leavers heading to Bali in November should check the latest and most accurate travel advice so they know what to expect. Just because you went to Indonesia on a surf holiday in 1993 doesn’t mean you’re experienced enough to advise teens about clubbing in Kuta in 2023. There are several commercial travel sites offering schoolies advice for Bali but the most thorough and up-to-date is the Australian government website, Smartraveller, which includes detailed travel advice on partying safely overseas. It's essential reading for every schoolie so they know the best way to stay safe. 

The Bali you travelled to is not necessarily the same one the kids will experience.

Keep your shirt on

Bali is not a “party island” so much as a religiously-conservative Hindu society that puts up with Western hedonism. A rash of entitled tourists have been behaving badly in Bali in recent years. Violence, nudity, excessive drinking, rude and sacrilegious behaviors are the main issues. The ever-gracious Balinese have had enough and are cracking down. Tourists may no longer be able to rent motorbikes (drunk or otherwise). A pre-marital bonk ban may not be enforced on Westerners but public displays of affection are disrespectful and not recommended. Misbehaving tourists have been deported or fined. Even small things like pointing and using your left hand are considered rude. See Bali.com for a full list of Balinese etiquette. 

Party paradise

Even though Bali is not a party destination, it is absolutely treated as a party island by thousands of young and not-so-young visitors each year. Every night of the week the bars and clubs around Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu are packed and pumping. Every morning crumpled semi-humans sleep off colossal hangovers by the pool. Some venues and events will cater directly for schoolies. Other clubs and bars will be busy with an array of international customers including a few predatory Toolies (Too old for Schoolies).

Stick to the established party zones

Wild at Heart

Let’s be real. Your offspring has just finished 13 years of rules, uniforms, and enforced learning under an authoritarian regime (yours). Schoolies, they’ve learned, is a time to dance on the grave of conformity and rule-following. It’s time to go a bit wild. Too often, in Western culture, that involves drinking until you pass out. But thankfully there are other ways of enjoying Bali. There’s reef surfing, skydiving, paragliding, and white-water rafting for starters. And if all the booze and late nights are taking their toll – and they will – they can always head to the mountains for a world-class chill out and health kick.

Drugs and Jail

No doubt your teenager knows about the dubious origins, health risks, and illegality of recreational drugs in Australia. But make sure they know that Bali is far tougher on drug users. If your teenager is caught with any type of cannabis product on their person – including prescribed oils or edibles – they will face steep fines and/or jail time in Bali. If they get caught bringing illegal substances into the country they will cop a mandatory jail sentence. They should also be aware that some drug dealers in Bali earn a profitable side hustle by police informing. Stay well away.

There are plenty of safe ways to make Schoolies a memorable week.

Should you tag along?

Maybe. You don’t have to stay nearby (you won’t want to) but if things go pear-shaped it’s reassuring to be a taxi ride away. One set of parents can be a support contact for a whole bunch of kids. If no parents can make it, there are services to help schoolies out of a jam. A team of cheery volunteers from Red Frogs will be in Bali during the peak of schoolies – offering advice and ensuring revellers get home safely.

Remember travel insurance

Expect the unexpected because if something goes wrong and you don't have the right travel insurance, costs can be as high as $100,000, the Australian government's Smartraveller site warns. Your insurance should cover all planned activities, sickness and injury while abroad as well as lost valuables or theft. Note you can also be disqualified from cover if you engage in reckless or illegal behaviour, for example by not having a licence, helmet or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Check you're covered for hiring cars, quad bikes, scooters and jet skis if you're planning to use them.

Why Bali schoolies should watch their drinks

There have been reported cases of methanol poisoning in drinks in Bali, so be alert to the risk alcoholic drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Don't leave food or drinks unattended.

The best way to avoid Bali Belly

Be ready for an upset tummy. While an upset stomach might be a rite of passage in Bali, you want to avoid turning one of the most memorable weeks of your life into a tour of Bali's best toilets. To this end, avoid consuming contaminated food and water and only eat property cooked hot food. Give salads and raw foods a miss as they're often rinsed in tap water. Food from street vendors is fine if the venue has a good reputation.

Schoolies event wristbands

Some Schoolies Week party packages include schoolies wristbands, which confirm a person is a registered schoolie attendee. These party package wristbands offer exclusive access to events with other schoolies in Bali, as well as activities and beach club entries. They help distinguish school leavers from "toolies" trying to enter schoolies parties. The party packages also help authorities monitor and manage crowds and identify schoolies more easily if they get into trouble.

Respect the local culture and dress respectfully in Bali.

How to party safely during Schoolies

Stay safe during Schoolies Week by staying with friends and people you trust, whether it's at parties, bars, nightclubs and taxis.

• Stay in close proximity to friends and watch their drinks.
• Share your hotel room details with friends.
• Don't encourage mates to drink more if they've had too much.
• Protect your passport and leave it with valuables in your hotel safe.

Originally published as A parents' guide to schoolies in Bali