Rights and responsibilities

Regardless of where your teen is choosing to celebrate Schoolies, it’s important that they are aware of the laws surrounding alcohol, drugs and responsible behaviour as the laws may be different in each state or country.

When talking about rights and responsibilities with your teen, we suggest reminding them that one poor choice at Schoolies can drastically affect their entire future. Having a criminal record can remove opportunities such as getting a job or being allowed to travel to other countries.

Top rights and responsibilities to cover before Schoolies:

In Queensland:

• You must be over the age of 18 to enter a licensed venue or purchase alcohol
• Supplying alcohol to underage friends could see your teen facing a fine of $1,238* per friend supplied with a maximum up to $12,320*
• Drinking in a public place is against the law, regardless of your age – $154*
• Underage drinking or possession of liquor in a public place, even if holding a drink for your friend whilst they tie their shoelace – $464* fine
• It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. Police often do roadside testing for both alcohol and drugs during Schoolies.
• Possessing or supplying others will illegal drugs is a serious criminal offence
• Possessing an implement (e.g. bong, cannabis pipe, needle) that is used for smoking or taking illegal drugs is an offence
• It is illegal for you to give someone prescription drugs, other than as prescribed
• Selling or supplying tobacco to someone under the age of 18 years of age is illegal
• Don't fake it! It's illegal to use someone else's ID or make a fake ID:
  • if your teen uses a friend's ID, they may be fined $619* on the spot.
  • if your teen lends their ID to a friend, they may be fined up to $774* and the ID may be confiscated on the spot.

Your teen could be fined on the spot or be taken to court and fined for each offence they commit.

*Fines are correct at the time of publishing however they may increase.