DrinkWise launches Leavers survival tips after survey reveals WA graduates bad drinking habits

Forty per cent of WA high school graduates are drinking everyday during Leavers celebrations.

Ahead of Leavers next week, DrinkWise released a survey of the habits of high school graduates during the notoriously booze-filled multi-day bender with 45 per cent of WA leavers admitting to drinking alcohol on most or everyday.

This was much higher than the national average, with 26 per cent of schoolies across Australia choosing to drink alcohol everyday.

Almost 40 per cent of WA graduates went to dedicated Leavers parties and events with 28 per cent of leavers saying they drank on one or a few days of the five-day event while 27 per cent said they did not drink at all.

However, the survey highlighted a shift in drinking behaviour with 63 per cent of WA Leavers saying they went to the beach without drinking alcohol while 36 per cent exercised with friends during schoolies.

The official Leavers celebration kicks off on Sunday in Dunsborough and will go until Friday. The daily events run by WA Police are alcohol-free.

It is understood some graduates will flock to Rottnest Island for their celebrations.

Ahead of the event, DrinkWise has launched its “Schoolies Survival Tips”, which encourages leavers to moderate their intake, pace themselves and look out for their friends.

The targeted messaging will be featured at retail stores operated by Endeavour, Coles Liquor, IGA Liquor, and Retail Drinks Australia.

The ads will also target attendees at popular Leavers locations including Dunsborough and Rottnest Island through geo-located social media posts.

Additional tips will be heard via music streaming services like Spotify.

“We know how hard Year 12 students have worked throughout the year and how they view Schoolies Week celebrations as an important reward for their efforts,” DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan said.

“While we want them to have a great time, moderation for those drinking and safety for all remains the priority.”

The drinking warnings come amid the State Government’s new campaign to try and get young drivers home safely during Leavers.

The road safety movement— named Wheelmates — urges young drivers to call out unsafe behaviour and limit distractions as they make road trips to areas including Dunsborough later this month.

Tips for school leavers:

• 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 — water is your friend!
• 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 that 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’ (ICE) 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.