Staying safe at school leaver celebrations

What you need to know about illicit drugs, alcohol, road safety and sexual assault to make safe choices at the end of the school year.

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The end of year 12 is an exciting time for students. Victoria Police congratulates every student who has finished the school year. 

School leaver celebrations, sometimes known as ‘schoolies’, are a chance to have a good time and celebrate the end of your school life. 

We’re here to create a safe environment for everyone while you celebrate, whether you’re a school leaver, parent or local community member.

School leaver celebrations and the law

Victoria Police will not tolerate any behaviour that threatens the safety of others. You will be charged if you are caught breaking the law.  

Remember – wherever you choose to celebrate: 

  • respect the community you’re in 
  • respect the safety of those around you, and 
  • help us ensure everyone has the chance to celebrate safely.

Illicit drugs at school leaver celebrations

What to know before you go: Drugs and alcohol
View transcript

The best way to stay safe from illicit drugs is to not use them. An illicit drug is one that it is illegal to have in your possession.  

Before heading off to celebrate, keep the below information about illicit drugs in mind: 

  • No drug is completely safe.  
  • You never know how your body is going to react to drugs. It can depend on: 
    • your individual tolerance level 
    • your medical conditions (which you may or may not be aware of), and 
    • how the drug was made. 
  • By taking illicit drugs, you are putting yourself and those around you at risk of hospitalisation, permanent health issues or even death. 
  • You never know where drugs are made, who made them, or what’s in them. Drugs can be laced with harmful and dangerous chemicals. 
  • In Victoria, being caught with even three grams of cocaine, MDMA or amphetamines is considered a traffickable quantity. Anyone trafficking drugs risks being imprisoned for 15 years. 
  • Being caught with illicit drugs can impact your future, including employment opportunities and your ability to travel. 

For more information about drugs at end of school events, visit the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.  

Getting help for a drug overdose or reaction

If you or a friend need help after talking an illicit substance or drug, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 

Always be honest with the attending paramedics about what you or your friends may have taken – it may save their life.

Drinking safely at school leaver celebrations

Celebrating the end of school might be the first time you or your friends drink alcohol. Remember – alcohol affects everybody differently.  

For tips to keep in mind before drinking, visit our personal safety page. 

You can also learn about steps to prevent your drink from being spiked on our drink spiking page.

Getting help if you think your drink has been spiked

If you think you or a friend need medical help after a possible drink spiking, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 

Sexual assault

What to know before you go: Sexual assault and consent
View transcript

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour. This includes grabbing someone on a dance floor, kissing or touching.  

Any sexual activity without your consent is a criminal offence. 

Everyone has the right to live without fear of sexual assault or harassment.  

Unfortunately, we see an increase in reports of sexual offences in locations where school leavers are celebrating. 

Victoria Police will investigate all allegations of sexual assault to ensure the safety of the victim and the broader community. 

Report a sexual assault

If you think you or a friend are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). 

You can also report a sexual assault by: 

It is never too late to report a sexual assault.  

For more information, visit the reporting sexual offences and child abuse page.  

Learn more about consent and sexual offences.

Staying safe on the road

What to know before you go: Road safety
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Travelling to where you’re celebrating might mean you have to drive long distances on unfamiliar roads. 

There are a few things you can do to be safer on the road during your celebrations:

  • Plan your trip ahead of time and know which roads you are going to take. 
  • Obey the road rules, including speed limits – they exist to keep you and your friends safe. 
  • Never check your mobile phone while driving – checking a phone for just two seconds doubles your risk of having an accident. 
  • Try to stay calm when travelling in traffic.
  • When travelling to popular costal locations, be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. They also visit these locations at busy times.
  • Never get behind the wheel with illicit drugs in your system. 
  • If you are a probationary driver (on your P1 or P2 licence), you must have a zero blood and breath alcohol concentration (BAC) before driving. To learn more about P1 and P2 probationary licence restrictions, visit the VicRoads website. 
  • Avoid drink driving by: 
    • assigning a designated driver who won’t drink any alcohol or take illicit drugs 
    • hiring a taxi or using rideshare services 
    • using public transport. 

For more tips on safer travel, visit the VicRoads website. 

Our Highway Patrol officers will be patrolling for reckless driver behaviour including: 

  • speeding 
  • driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
  • distraction (such as using a mobile phone). 

Reporting an accident

If you are in an accident or witness an accident, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 

For information about what to do if your car breaks down and staying safe in your vehicle, visit the road safety page. 

We’ll be highly visible across the state, especially in popular school leaver locations like the Mornington Peninsula, the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.  

These areas will be patrolled by local police and supported by specialist units. These include: 

  • Highway Patrol 
  • Public Order Response Team 
  • Mounted Branch  
  • and Dog Squad. 

Reporting other incidents to police

If you are in immediate danger or it's an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). 

Non-emergency incidents

You can report some non-urgent crime and events anytime, anywhere by calling our Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or submitting an online report. 

Examples of non-urgent crimes and events include: 

  • theft (including theft of a motor vehicle) 
  • property damage 
  • lost property 
  • general police enquiries. 

You can also contact your local police station. 

More resources for school leavers

For more resources about staying safe at school leaver celebrations, visit: 

Your safety

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