The Psychology of Schoolies: An investigation of risk taking, wellbeing, and social connections in attendees of Schoolies 2016

This report represents the output of an ongoing research collaboration (inaugurated in 2015) between the University of Queensland and the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, Safer Schoolies Initiative Unit (SSI). The role of SSI is not to promote Schoolies, but to provide a safety response in line with the needs of the local community, parents, and school leavers themselves. This research aims to understand young peoples experience of Schoolies, with a particular focus on social connections, mental health and risk taking. These research findings are based on a survey of school leavers attending Schoolies in Surfers Paradise at the Gold Coast, Queensland during November 2016. Surveys were completed by 607 respondents on the first and fourth day of Schoolies.