Schoolies tips for parents
Since the 1980s, schoolies has become a rite of passage for Australian school leavers. It's an exciting milestone marking the chance to celebrate the end of an era before stepping into whatever comes next. But when large groups of teenagers descend on party locations with newfound freedom and limited supervision, it's perfectly natural for parents to feel a knot of worry.
Here are some practical schoolies tips for parents that could help you support your school leaver while alleviating some of those inevitable concerns, keeping your teen safe while giving them space to grow. 
Start with an honest conversation
Communication is always the best way for you to make sure your teen is fully prepared. It also gives you an opportunity to offer your support and address and worries or concerns they have. Just make sure it’s not a lecture or negative, otherwise they’re likely to switch off or get defensive.
Approach your chat with genuine curiosity. Ask them what they're most excited about. Where will they be staying? Who's in their group? Let them do most of the talking while you listen and offer support. This creates space for the trickier topics to emerge naturally.
When you do broach subjects like alcohol, drugs, and safe sex, frame them as practical life skills rather than dire warnings. Remind them that being true to themselves is always the right choice, even when everyone around them seems to be making different decisions. You might discuss boundaries beforehand, what feels comfortable for them and what doesn't, and what their Plan B is if something goes awry. 
Let them know you have their back
Ask them to provide you with all the information you’ll need to help them in case anything goes wrong. This could include things like:
- Address of where they’re staying (have a quick check of the accommodation agreement while you're at it)
- Travel arrangement and details
- Agreed check in times to let you know they're OK - perhaps once a day at a reasonable hour. 
- Contact details of friends they’ll be with
- Their bank card information, just in case it goes missing
- Help them add an ICE (in case of emergency) contact to their phone, along with the Red Frogs Hotline: 1300 557 123. Red Frogs volunteers are on the ground at major schoolies destinations, offering support without judgment. 
Send practical supplies, not worry
One of the most helpful things you can do? Make sure your teen has what they need to look after themselves. Consider sending with them or arranging a delivery to their accommodation things like:
- Cases of bottled water to keep them hydrated
- Pre-cooked or microwave meals for those inevitable lazy mornings
- Non-perishable snacks
- A small first aid kit
- Some emergency cash tucked away separately from their wallet
These provisions send a message that you trust them while also showing you care and providing a safety cushion (you'll also be popular with their friends when the goodies get shared). 
What not to do (even when you're tempted)
We know that your worries come from a place of love and concern but your teen is feeling independent and getting their first taste of adulting. So here are some things we recommend that you don't do:
- Don't bombard them with messages. Stick to your agreed check-in times. Constant calls and texts signal distrust and can actually distract them when they need to stay alert, particularly if they're driving.
- Don’t provide them with alcohol even if they are over 18. Research consistently shows that providing alcohol to teenagers, even those over 18, can lead to riskier behaviour. Let them make their own choices within legal boundaries.
- Don't become a social media liability. Posting about them or their friends without permission can cause genuine embarrassment and damage their trust in you. Remember, they're building their adult identity, and that includes controlling their own digital footprint. 
Stay informed and connected
Knowledge really is power when it comes to easing parental worry. Join the Red Frogs Schoolies Advice for Parents group on Facebook for real-time updates and tips from other parents going through the same experience. The Safer Schoolies website also offers excellent resources, including a downloadable checklist you can give your teen before they head off. 
Not all teens are the same
Not every school leaver thrives in the traditional schoolies environment. Some teens find the prospect overwhelming rather than exciting. If your young person is keen to celebrate but the chaos of schoolies feels like too much, there are plenty of alternative ways to mark this milestone.
Perhaps a smaller trip with close friends, a volunteering project abroad, or even a family celebration that honours their achievement without the pressure. The important thing is that they feel supported in whatever choice feels right for them. 
Send them off with confidence
Before they leave, make absolutely certain your teen knows they can ring you any time, day or night, regardless of the situation. No judgment, no "I told you so", just love and support. This promise might be the most important safety net you can offer.
It's not easy watching them navigate this transition, but with open communication and practical preparation, you can help them celebrate safely while taking their first confident steps towards adulthood. 
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Looking for more guidance on supporting your teenager through life's transitions? Visit our parents' and carers page for articles to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories of raising young adults.
Sarah Perry