What you need to know about drugs and Schoolies events

In Australia there's a growing chorus of medical professionals and advocates who say harm prevention is more realistic than abstinence when it comes to drugs.

What they're alluding to is pill-testing - or drug-checking as it's also known - and it's a relatively new phenomenon here.

Pill testing was available at Schoolies on the Gold Coast in 2024, but this year the Queensland government has taken a firm stance against the practice. 

So what conversations do parents need to have with their kids to stay safe this summer?

Statement from a Queensland Health spokesperson:

There is no safe way to take drugs.

Taking drugs is dangerous and can have dire consequences.

We encourage young people going to Schoolies to stay safe and take care of their friends. 

Ensuring the health and safety of young people at major events is very important.

That’s why Queensland Health will continue to deliver alcohol and other drug prevention, early intervention and harm reduction responses as well as a suite of specialist alcohol and other drug treatment services across Queensland.