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Resources for researchers, teachers, young people and parents

Schoolies week, or 'schoolies' (leavers week in WA) is now a ritual for many year 12 school leavers across the country in November and December. Crowds of teenagers congregate in a number of key locations around the country, but smaller scale celebrations are also common.

When large groups of young people get together, there can be an atmosphere of , spontaneity and reckless behaviour. The relief from end of year pressures, combined with the presence of alcohol, drugs, peer pressure and the predatory behaviour of others, can make teenagers vulnerable as both victims and offenders. In many areas, government bodies host controlled venues to protect the safety and welfare of celebrating teenagers. The AIC has prepared a fact sheet outlining some basic planning and preparation suggestions.

This page is a resource for teachers, parents, teenagers and researchers. It brings together useful practical guides and relevant research on young people and crime, and the logistics and possible issues associated with schoolies week.

The Australian Institute of Criminology maintains a comprehensive set of resource materials related to young people on this website. The following resources are also particularly relevant to schoolies week.

Practical guides and resources

Emergency contact telephone numbers

These pages list a wide range of telephone numbers for health, welfare, safety and consumer services

AIC research

The Australian Institute of Criminology is Australia's leading national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. We seek to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice. The AIC publishes research findings in the fields of juvenile justice, youth drug issues, swarming, child exploitation, sex crimes and research that covers many youth-related issues.

In March 2011, The AIC and the Victorian Safe Communities Network will host a conference to examine young people's involvement in alcohol, drugs and violence. Click here for more information on Young people, risk and resilience—the challenges of alcohol, drugs and violence.

Other relevant research and organisations