What really goes on behind the scenes at Schoolies

Schoolies: it’s the one word that can strike fear into an Australian parent’s heart.

Each year, as thousands of Year 12 graduates head off for a week of unsupervised fun, the news reports detailing drug use, drinking and violence inevitably trickle out.

This week it’s been reported more than 47 Schoolies have been arrested at Surfer’s Paradise, topping last year’s head count. 

Most of the arrests have been for public nuisance and drug use; paramedics say they’ve also treated hundreds of injuries from alcohol-fuelled accidents and brawls.

Reading this, any parent would be tempted to put their child on house arrest.

Image: AAP

Andy Gourley understands the concern. He's been on the front lines for the past 20 years as the founder and CEO of Red Frogs - an organisation dedicated to supporting and keeping Schoolies safe through various initiatives and resources.

The father of three admits he’s witnessed some confronting scenes in two decades - particularly on the balconies of the high-rise apartments popular among the graduates.

“There’s been scary stuff where we’ve seen kids trying to ledge walk over the side of buildings,” he tells 9Honey. 

“Actually, one kid fell asleep on a ledge on the side of a building one year.”

Several incidents like these have made headlines at Schoolies over the years; tragically, a 17-year-old Brisbane girl died after falling from a 26th floor balcony in 2012.

While Schoolies is never going to be a placid occasion - sorry, parents - Andy says he’s seen some positive changes taking place.

"They’re going on a little health kick, almost, swapping beers for Boost Juice.”

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Although the approach to alcohol is shifting, Andy agrees drug use appears to be on the rise.

One paramedic tells the Courier-Mail MDMA has been the most common drug at Schoolies this year.

“I think, in youth culture in general, drugs are a bigger issue through high school and parties, and obviously in Schoolies week as well,” Andy says. 

“Compared to alcohol it’s still low, but it is increasing for us - we’re probably seeing an increase in that and a decrease in alcohol related [incidents].

“Drugs is a massive worry… it’s some of the really scary stuff you see.”

The Red Frogs initiatives, carried out by hundreds of volunteers during Schoolies, focus on ensuring the teenagers are out of harm’s way.

For instance, school leavers can book a ‘walk home’ though the Red Frogs hotline, app or tent to ensure they’re returned to their hotels and apartments safely.