Teenagers at Schoolies are cutting back on the Cruisers and spending more time doing wholesome activities, according to a new study.
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Nine in ten school leavers are spending time doing activities without drinking during their Schoolies week, and 33 per cent chose to exercise with their friends on their holidays.
Researchers of the new DrinkWise study said the data shows a shift away from risky drinking, with 29 per cent of teenagers at Schoolies not drinking any alcohol at all.
Among the new research, 71 per cent of Schoolies attendees were enjoying days at the beach alcohol-free and 62 per cent were choosing to dine at restaurants without drinking alcohol.
More than 85 per cent of Schoolies attendees also said they chose to alternate between full-strength alcohol and zero-alcohol drinks to help pace their drinking and avoid getting drunk.
But the push to drink is still strong for young Australians. For those who said they didn't drink during Schoolies, only 40 per cent said they felt like they could have fun without drinking, and 39 per cent said they felt comfortable saying no to peer pressure.
And for the teenagers who did drink, 20 per cent of them were drinking more after attending Schoolies.
CEO of DrinkWise Simon Strahan said he was still concerned by the portion of Schoolies attendees who continue to drink at risky levels.
"We know how hard year 12 students have worked throughout the year and how they view Schoolies Week celebrations as an important reward for their efforts," he said.
"It's great to see attendees are prioritising alcohol-free activities like exercising, going to the beach and dining at restaurants, but 26 per cent of Schoolies attendees are still choosing to drink every day and 14 per cent are regretting their actions due to excessive alcohol consumption."
The new research comes as the Queensland government confirms pill testing will proceed at the Gold Coast Schoolies event this year.
Schoolies Weeks kick off across Australia on November 16, with the Gold Coast welcoming its usual swarm of school leavers. Other schoolie hotspots include Rottnest Island, the Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Victor Harbour, Dunsborough, and Lorne.
Lucy Arundell
Lucy is an ACT Legislative Assembly reporter for The Canberra Times. She previously worked as the city reporter. Got a tip? Email her at lucy.arundell@canberratimes.com.au.
