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Safeguarding expert’s tips to keep youth safe at schoolies

As thousands of Australian senior school students enjoy or prepare to set off for schoolies celebrations, an Australian Catholic University child protection expert has issued top tips to keep them safe.

Professor Daryl Higgins, the Director of ACU’s Institute of Child Protection Studies, said safety needed to be top of mind for those celebrating the end of Year 12 at hotspots across the country and overseas.

“Fun is great but keep it safe,” Professor Higgins said.

“The achievement of getting to the end of school is worth celebrating and students deserve this time with their friends, but some decisions made in a moment can have lifetime consequences.”

Professor Higgins said young people could run into difficulty when faced with challenges in locations far from home and away from their usual support networks.

“Having to make grown up decisions without the support and guidance of parents on hand can be momentous,” he said.

“And the risks are high once you add alcohol and availability of drugs into the mix.”

Professor Higgins issued five top tips to help create a safe environment for those celebrating:

• Look out for each other. Research shows young people understand concerns and notice risks or signs of distress in their peers, allowing for early support and action to avoid harmful consequences.
• Talk openly. Peers need to keep lines of communication open and discuss their hopes, fears and concerns for the celebratory period. Have regular check-ins to ensure everyone is feeling supported.
• Have a back up plan. If things go off track, have an emergency plan in place. What role will each person play? Is there a parent or adult you feel comfortable reaching out to for advice and support?
• Develop a code word. If things get awkward for a peer, when do you step in and help? Create a code word you can all use to signal distress and allow for a peer to step in and help.
• Mistakes happen. It can be difficult bunking with peers after a stressful year. Acknowledge any unacceptable behaviours that are out of character and support one another to be their best self.

Professor Higgins said it was also important that parents and caregivers asked questions about schoolies plans but did not overstep with too much advice.

“Even as I provide this advice, I can see the irony in that offering,” Professor Higgins said.

“But coming in with the attitude of, “I'm wiser and more experienced than you,” isn't the best opening for a youth to open up about a concern.

“Ask questions but let them lead discussions. Show them you are fully engaged and invested in them having a safe and memorable celebration.”

Professor Higgins said while it was important that young people checked in with their families while far from home, it was just as useful for parents and caregivers to also keep in touch.

“Parents and caregivers need to think, ‘Do I have contact details of at least some other parents from their friendship group to provide wraparound support both to each other and to our children?’” he said.

“And talk with others outside of your parent circle. It's ok to admit your vulnerability and ask for care and support from your network of friends, just like you're encouraging your young person to do.”