Schoolies: Red Frogs’ 10 Top Tips for Parents
By: Joni Boyd
Schoolies has been a traditional way to celebrate finishing school for generations.
But just the thought of it strikes fear in parents of school leavers.
Summer is almost upon us, and the senior year exams are over, which means thousands of bright eyed, bushy tailed school leavers are preparing to descend to holiday locations around the globe for Schoolies/Leavers Week.
And as these school leavers are crossing off each day on their calendar with excitement, anxious parents are coming to terms with sending their child away for the week-long celebration.
“Some parents can feel nervous about their child being away for an extended period of time,” said youth support organisation Red Frogs in a statement.
“It may be the first time their child has gone on holidays with their friends and without parental supervision.
Red Frogs provide schoolies preparation tips for parents to encourage safe celebrations.
“This is why the Red Frogs crew are here; to provide schoolies preparation tips for parents to encourage safe celebrations and to be a positive peer presence at 12 Schoolies locations around Australia, Bali and Fiji.”
Red Frogs has the following tips for nervous parents:
1 – Have some open conversations
It’s easier said than done, but Red Frogs advises parents to take the time to talk to their teens about Schoolies/Leavers Week and how they plan to celebrate.
Be a listening ear and try to share in their excitement for this next chapter of life.
2 – Send them off well-prepared
Stock your teen with a heap of pre-made meals for the week, Red Frog says. This will make sure they’re having something nutritious that will support their overall wellbeing throughout the week.
3 – Don’t give them alcohol
It’s really important not to provide your teen with any alcohol, Red Frog advises. Although this might be an unpopular approach, research has shown that providing them with alcohol actually leads to more risky behaviour.
Make sure your teen has the Red Frogs hotline number saved in their phone and has downloaded the ‘Red Frogs’ app.
4 – Teach them to drink safely
If your teen is over 18, encourage them to buy light beer, not full strength. As this may be the first time your 18-year-old is consuming alcohol – and particularly their first time drinking unsupervised – it’s important to communicate its effects so they can make responsible decisions that their future self is grateful for.
5 – Help keep them hydrated
Make sure your teen is stocked with slabs of water, is the advice from Red Frogs. It can be an easy one to forget, but hydration is so important especially during the hot summer days.
Watermelon and electrolyte drinks are also super helpful and delicious.
6 – Book some check-ins
Red Frogs advises parents to agree on check-in times and stay in touch during the week to make sure they are OK. Remind your teen that it’s okay to not be okay but it’s important to tell someone about it. Keep those communication channels open so your teen knows you are there for them.
To keep up to date on all things Schoolies/Leavers, parents can also join the ‘Red Frogs Schoolies Advice for Parents’ Facebook Group.
7 – Remind them to stick with their friends
Remind them to always stay with their friends, Red Frogs advises.
It’s always nice to have someone who has your back, and this is a great way to guarantee this during Schoolies week.
8 – Send them the Red Frogs hotline
Make sure your teen has the Red Frogs hotline number saved in their phone and has downloaded the ‘Red Frogs’ app.
For all your board game fun and pancake cook-ups, Red Frogs is there for your teen all week!
9 – Explain when to call 000
Encourage them to call 000 in emergency situations, the official services are here to help. It can be scary for your teen to call emergency services but let them know that first responders have their best interests at heart.
10 – Reach out for advice!
If your young person is planning to head to Schoolies/Leavers and you have questions or concerns, Red Frogs can be contacted 24/7 through the hotline number 1300 557 123 or by downloading the Red Frogs App. To keep up to date on all things Schoolies/Leavers, parents can also join the ‘Red Frogs Schoolies Advice for Parents’ Facebook Group.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.