Safer Schoolies for Parents

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Safer Schoolies for Parents

The OFFICIAL Safer Schoolies for Parents page. We provide information to help you prepare your teen for a safe and memorable on the Gold Coast.

Completion of Year 12 is traditionally a time of celebration for school leavers across Australia. Friends head off to various 'Schoolies' locations for a well-deserved break to mark a milestone in their lives. The Queensland Government does not promote Schoolies, rather it responds to the schoolies phenomenon. In a whole-of-government approach, Safer Schoolies is focussed on enhancing the safety o

f young people and decreasing risk taking behaviour. Via communication, diversionary activities, identification and on the ground support, Safer Schoolies supports school leavers in making good choices, while celebrating within a controlled environment. Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response

The Gold Coast has been the chosen destination for many Queensland high school graduates since the 1970s. The Queensland Government’s Safer Schoolies team operates a safety response for the first week of Schoolies each year focused on enhancing the safety of young people and decreasing risk taking behaviour. The Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response is free for legitimate Year 12 school leavers. It includes wristbanding for legitimate Year 12 school leavers, providing nightly access to a drug and alcohol-free beach party (Schoolies Hub) where they can celebrate safely in the company of their peers. In addition, the Response week features on the ground support provided by numerous government agencies and services, community and volunteer organisations. In 2021, the Safer Schoolies Gold Coast Response will be activated from Saturday 20 – Friday 26 November. For more information, head to our website www.saferschoolies.qld.gov.au

29/07/2026

As parents of Year 12 students, you know how important friendships are during this milestone year.

International Friendship Day is 30 July, so we think it’s a great time to reflect on the role mates play in your teen’s life – from creating good vibes to supporting each other through the highs and lows of Year 12.

Encourage your teen to celebrate their friendships safely and meaningfully. Here are some ideas to share with them:

💛 Encourage your teen to be safe and watch their mates when heading out to have fun.
💛 Plan a group dinner and invite their mates to celebrate their final year.
💛 Gift them a framed photo of their Year 12 memories with their mates.
💛 Remind them to let their mates know how much they mean to them.

Whether it’s sticking together at events, checking in on each other, or simply sharing a laugh, their friendships are their greatest support system.

26/07/2026

Worried about your teen going to Schoolies?

We are here to make their experience as safe as possible. Our goal is to get Schoolies out of their hotel rooms and to a safe space where they can have fun, whilst having access to support services 🤝

💯 FREE ENTERTAINMENT for year 12 school leavers
🤘 FUN for the whole week in Surfers Paradise
❤️ Hundreds of volunteers caring for your teen and heaps of support available

Follow us for updates and head to www.saferschoolies.qld.gov.au/parents for all the info.

25/07/2026

Planning on celebrating on the Gold Coast? It’s important to remember that the ocean is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July) is a reminder of the risks and how to stay safe while enjoying the water.

Every year, drowning claims an estimated 236,000 lives worldwide, and it’s one of the top causes of death for young people. But the good news? Drowning is preventable with the right precautions.

Here’s how you can keep yourself and your mates safe in the surf:
✅ Swim between the red and yellow flags – no flags = no swim.
✅ Stick to patrolled beaches and always check with lifeguards if you’re unsure.
✅ Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
✅ Read safety signs and avoid areas marked as dangerous.
✅ If you get into trouble, stay calm, float, and raise one arm to signal for help.

If you see someone in trouble:
🚨 Alert a lifeguard or call 000 if no lifeguard is available.
🚫 Don’t enter the water to help – you could end up needing rescuing too.

Your experience should be unforgettable for all the right reasons. So, always 'Be safe and watch your mates' by looking out for each other, follow beach safety rules, and enjoy the Gold Coast water responsibly.

For more info on patrolled beaches and safety tips, check out the City of Gold Coast (tag).

20/07/2026

Calling all parents, guardians, grandparents, aunties, uncles, older siblings, and family friends of our school leavers graduating in 2026!

We’re on the lookout for passionate to support the end-of-year celebrations on the . Join our team during the week of (21–27 Nov 2026) and help us make a real difference in keeping young people safe. We’re looking for volunteers to:
⭐ Assign wristbands
⭐ Help with street patrols
⭐ Provide walk homes

Interested? Visit www.saferschoolies.qld.gov.au/volunteers to learn how you can get involved.

17/07/2026

🚨 Parents, are you up to speed with emoji meanings in 2026? 🚨 What seems like innocent emojis in your teen’s messages might carry hidden meanings. From codes linked to drugs to concerning behaviours like incel culture, understanding these symbols is more important than ever.

Here’s what you need to know: 👇
💊 Red pill: Associated with misogynistic “manosphere” ideologies.
💣 Dynamite: Refers to the “exploding red pill” concept, often linked to harmful incel beliefs.
🍑 Peach or 🍆 Aubergine: Typically used as sexual innuendos.
❄️ Snowflake: Code for co***ne, often called “snow.”
🐴 Horse: Slang for ketamine.
💬 Heart colours: Even heart emojis can have nuanced meanings — best to know what they signify for your teen.

So, what can you do? Build an open, non-judgemental space for conversation about your teen’s online world. Talking about these topics early and often — without being confrontational — encourages trust and helps spot red flags before they escalate.

🔑 The takeaway: You’re not spying; you’re learning to stay informed and connected. Knowledge is a powerful tool in keeping your teen safe online!

Do you recognise any of these codes? What’s your approach to navigating your teen’s online world? Share your ideas below. ⬇️

12/07/2026

🔒 Did you know sextortion is a growing online threat, especially for young people? Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share an intimate image or video unless demands are met.

It often starts with what seems like harmless conversations – flirting, casual chats, or a believable profile. But many sextortionists are skilled scammers who work quickly to build trust and gain access to private images or videos. Once they do, they use fear and shame as tools to pressure their victims into complying.

Here’s what you can do to help protect your teens:
🔹 Have open conversations: Talk to your teens about online safety and the risks of sharing personal images.
🔹 Spot the signs early: Help them recognise when a conversation or situation feels "off" online.
🔹 Emphasise support: Remind them to seek help if they’re ever feeling worried, scared, or pressured — no judgement or blame.

If something’s wrong, immediate action can make a huge difference. Visit eSafety.gov.au to learn more about sextortion, what it looks like, and the steps to take if it happens. 💻💙

08/07/2026

If your teen is heading to Schoolies at the end of the year, now’s the time to consider their Meningococcal vaccine 💉. It’s FREE for young people aged 15–19 through vaccine providers.

Here’s why it’s so important: Meningococcal disease spreads through close contact (think coughing, sneezing and yes, even kissing) – common in social settings like Schoolies. It can progress rapidly and, if not treated early, may cause serious long-term issues or worse 😞.

Schoolies is all about making memories – let’s make sure they’re happy and healthy ones 🎉. Book in with your GP or local vaccine provider and get them protected before they head off!

06/07/2026

Did you know 6 July is all about celebrating the simple joy of a kiss? It's also a good opportunity to talk to your teens about the importance of consent. Whether it’s a kiss or anything else, mutual respect and clear communication are essential.

Encourage them to appreciate the little things – like the fun and happiness a kiss can bring – while understanding the value of respecting boundaries and ensuring everyone’s on the same page.
Let’s help them navigate these moments safely and confidently. 💕

05/07/2026

If your teen is heading to Schoolies on the Gold Coast, here’s an important reminder:
🍹 In Queensland, drinking alcohol in public places is illegal unless it’s a licensed venue. This includes roads, footpaths, parks, and beaches. It’s prohibited under the Liquor Act 1992, and on-the-spot fines can be issued.
🎂 The legal drinking age in Queensland is 18. Make sure your teen knows the rules to stay safe and avoid trouble.

Let’s work together to ensure a fun and responsible Schoolies Week! 🌊

02/07/2026

Maybe you drive the same road twice a day. You’re running late for work. Or you’re just overtaking the person in front. Bad excuses, even worse consequences. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing 5kms or 40kms over, there’s no excuse for speeding.

Speeding is one of the major killers on Queensland roads. Let's all do our part to keep our roads safe.

Check out StreetSmarts - No Excuse for Speeding for more info.

Address

Gold Coast, QLD

Telephone

137 468

Website

http://www.SaferSchoolies.qld.gov.au/

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