Sit-ups over schooners: Why Schoolies are embracing exercise and ditching hangovers

Ahead of Schoolies celebrations taking place around the country, new DrinkWise research has revealed that 9 in 10* attendees engaged in activities that don’t involve alcohol during their Schoolies last year, with 33% choosing to exercise with friends, highlighting a shift in behaviour away from risky drinking.

Among the new research, it was also revealed that 71% of Schoolies attendees were enjoying days at the beach alcohol-free, 62% were choosing to dine at restaurants without drinkingalcohol and 29% of attendees consumed zero alcohol drinks.

Interestingly, 85% of Schoolies attendees said they chose to alternate between full-strength alcohol and zero-alcohol drinks to help pace their drinking (31%) and avoid getting drunk (29%).

For those who said they abstained from alcohol during Schoolies, 40% said they felt like they could have fun without drinking, and 39% said they felt comfortable saying no to peer pressure.

Simon Strahan, Chief Executive Officer at DrinkWise has welcomed the continued shift in behaviour but acknowledges there is still a portion of Schoolies attendees who continue to drink at risky levels and wants to remind all year 12 school leavers of the importance of moderating their alcohol consumption and staying safe.

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

“It’s great to see attendees are prioritising alcohol-free activities like exercising, going to the beach and dining at restaurants, but 26% of Schoolies attendees are still choosing to drink every day and 14% are regretting their actions due to excessive alcohol consumption. In addition to this, our research has also found that 20% were drinking more after attending Schoolies, which is why our moderation messaging is so important.

“To help continue shifting attitudes during this year’s Schoolies celebrations and encourage responsible alcohol consumption, DrinkWise Schoolies Survival Tips campaign will be seen in over 700 retail stores in Schoolies hotspots around the country.”

DrinkWise will feature targeted messaging at retail locations operated by Endeavour, Coles Liquor, IGA Liquor and Retail Drinks Australia member stores. DrinkWise will also target Schoolies attendees at popular locations including Rottnest Island, Surfers Paradise, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Rosebud, Victor Harbour, Dunsborough, Phillip Island and Lorne through geo-located social media posts. Additional messages will be heard via music streaming services.

Through the Schoolies Survival Tips campaign, these reminders will reach Schoolies before and during drinking occasions, encouraging them to moderate their intake, pace themselves and look out for their friends.

Schoolies Week celebrations begin on the 16 November this year with events planned across Australia. If heading off to a Schoolies holiday, DrinkWise recommends the following 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 — 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.

For more information on DrinkWise’s Schoolies Survival Tips.

*Source: Alcohol at Schoolies Study 2024

About DrinkWise:

DrinkWise is an evidence-based social change organisation dedicated to changing the Australian drinking culture to one that is safer and healthier. We do this through national education campaigns, partnerships with government, academia, community organisations and industry and the development of practical strategies and resources to promote the responsible use of alcohol.

Through a realistic and relatable approach, DrinkWise creates innovative campaigns that resonate with Australians and provide a meaningful contribution to cultural change. DrinkWise is funded through voluntary industry contributions across the alcohol sector and has previously been in receipt of funding and in-kind support from Federal and state-based Coalition and Labor governments.

– ENDS