Schoolies are ditching the week-long binge, but some still have regrets

Schoolies Week has a reputation for alcohol-fuelled reckless abandon, but research shows the nation’s school-leavers are moving away from excessive binge-drinking.

DrinkWise data released on Friday shows nine in 10 attendees engaged in activities that didn’t involve alcohol during schoolies last year, with a high percentage of drinkers alternating between full-strength and zero-alcohol drinks to help pace consumption and avoid getting drunk.

Schoolies enjoying a pool party at the Hilton. School-leavers have been gathering on the Gold Coast for about half a century.Credit: Schoolies.com

The 2024 Alcohol at Schoolies Study found 71 per cent of attendees enjoyed alcohol-free days at the beach; 33 per cent chose to exercise with friends; 62 per cent chose to dine at restaurants without consuming alcohol; and 29 per cent consumed zero-alcohol drinks.

DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan said while the findings reflected a wider downwards trend in excessive drinking among young people, a portion of attendees continued to drink at risky levels.

“What we’re seeing is real generational shift in terms of younger people’s attitudes towards alcohol,” Strahan said.

“It’s much more mature than it ever was, which is a good sign ... but one of the aspects of the report that was of some concern was that 26 per cent of schoolies consumed alcohol every single day.

“So our message is to make sure that they have some alcohol-free days and get out and enjoy themselves because we know that 14 per cent also reported regretting their actions due to excessive drinking.”

The report also found 20 per cent of attendees drank more after schoolies events.

“This will be the first experience for many [attendees] away from home and their parents [and] some will be drinking potentially for the first time,” Strahan said.

“So there’s an expectation ... heading into the festive season that they might actually start consuming alcohol. That’s why our moderation messaging is so important.”

Strahan added that even with this finding, most schoolies were consuming within the guidelines and making a concerted effort to cut back on their consumption.

“What we’ve seen over the last 20 years in Australia is a much more moderate attitude towards alcohol consumption.

“In particular, we’ve seen a significant increase in terms of those under the age of 18 abstaining from alcohol. That means that when they do reach legal drinking age, they’re less likely to binge, and they’re more likely to have better attitudes towards alcohol.”

Despite research suggesting zero-alcohol products potentially normalised alcohol consumption for young people, Strahan said they were positively influencing schoolies.

“Research more broadly across the population has found that 42 per cent of people who have cut back on their consumption have attributed that to incorporating zero and lower-strength alcohol products.

“For schoolies, it’s actually a good thing because it’s helping them cut back on their alcohol consumption and space out drinks.”

DrinkWise’s Schoolies Survival Tips campaign has launched with targeted messaging at more than 700 stores, including BWS, Dan Murphy’s and Liquorland, and geolocated social media posts in popular locations to encourage responsible alcohol consumption.

For the first time, Gold Coast schoolies will also have access to a free and confidential pill testing site at The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise, despite opposition from the newly appointed LNP government.

DrinkWise tips for school leavers to have a fun and safe experience:

• Always have your phone on you —make sure it is charged.

• If you are drinking, make sure to have something to eat before and during.

• Pace any alcohol intake and hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks.

• Try swapping a full-strength alcoholic drink for a zero or lower-strength drink.

• Be extra cautious with drinks that have a high alcohol content.

• Stay with friends and keep an eye out for one another.

• Don’t drink drive or get into a car driven by anyone who’s been drinking.

• Avoid risky situations, such as swimming after drinking or getting into arguments and fights.

• Beware of drink spiking – don’t let your drink out of your sight.

• Let your parents or family back home know where you’re staying and who you’re travelling with.

• Keep in contact with your parents or guardians throughout the week, so they know you are safe.

• Register as a school leaver with the schoolies organisation in the area you’re visiting.

• Put your ‘in case of emergency number’ and Medical ID in your phone — you can also set an image of them as your lock screen.

• In an emergency, call 000.

• Call your parents or guardians at any time if you get into trouble or just need to talk.

• Keep money aside for emergencies.