UQ researchers seek parents for Schoolies study

While popular with school leavers, the annual "Schoolies" celebrations on the Gold Coast can be a source of fear for parents.

Researchers from UQ’s Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research (CYSAR) are looking for parents to participate in a 10-minute anonymous online survey about parents’ perceptions of the event.

In 1997 a survey of young people during Schoolies week indicated 75 percent of males and 59 percent of females were drunk most days or nights.

Research has been done on the risky behaviours of young adults during this week however none has so far investigated the role of parents and their attitudes towards the risky behaviours of this specific celebratory event.

"This study aims to explore parents’ attitudes and beliefs concerning the 'Schoolies' event, along with parent–child communication, the need for intervention and youth substance abuse," CYSAR Research Officer, Lake-Hui Quek said.

"One avenue for intervention is through parents, as they play an important role in educating, modelling and monitoring their adolescent’s behaviour, alcohol consumption and other substance abuse."

The centre, established in 2008, works to promote the health and well-being of young people by increasing Australia’s ability to respond effectively to the harm associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse.

"Alcohol misuse by teenagers is linked to major risks, including assault and injury, alcohol poisoning, risky sexual behaviour, other drug use, and long-term brain damage," Associate Professor and lead researcher Adrian Kelly said.

The exploratory study will help researchers better understand the role of parents with the topic. The results will help develop materials for early intervention and prevention strategies targeting binge-drinking among young people.

The survey is open to the public now www.surveymonkey.com/s/schoolies and will remain open through the next school year.

If you are interested in speaking with a specially trained person about preventing alcohol-related risks, call the Project SHIELD hotline at 07 3346 4833

For more information contact Dr Adrian Kelly at a.kelly@uq.edu.au or 3365 5143.
Media Contact: Allison Rock (Allison.rock@uqconnect.edu.au or 3365 2619)