Teenagers have been baffled by a small pink item included in this year’s Schoolies safety pack that organizers say will prevent their drinks from being spiked.
Thousands of revelers poured into Surfers Paradise, Queensland this weekend to kick off their post-graduation celebrations, with organizers gifting each a tote bag of goodies.
One item in the package was a single-use anti-drinking stopper that schoolboys could put in their drinking bottles.
The idea was that the stopper blocks the opening of the bottle and prevents alcohol and drugs from sliding in – a safety measure that doesn’t work for revelers who drink from cups.
However, partygoer Ange Loeber didn’t read the pamphlets that came in her gift bag and instead took to TikTok to ask others what exactly the special ribbed item was for.
Ange Loeber was amazed when she turned up for Schoolies week and was given a small pink object that turned out to be an anti-booze stopper
Luckily for Ange, hundreds of commenters responded to her video explaining what the item was.
However, despite their help, she still found the item “fairly useless” as most people drank from cups.
A spokesperson for Schoolies defended the item as an option for those who prefer to drink from bottles and cans.
‘[They are] single-use and help prevent drinks from being spiked,” a 2023 Safer Schoolies spokesperson said.
‘They come with a manual that clearly describes its use [and] safety messages to help prevent drinking peaks’.
The surge stopper was one of several Queensland government initiatives being trialled during this year’s Schoolies, which are being billed as a ‘safer’ event.
More than 20,000 teenagers are expected to celebrate their graduation in hotspot locations such as the Sunshine Coast, Surfers Paradise, Bali and Fiji.
Participants in this year’s Schoolies were each given a tote bag containing a drawstring pouch for their phones, numerous safety brochures and the nail stopper that left many confused.
In the past, Schoolies events have been associated with stories of rape and binge drinking, prompting organizers of this year’s event to rename it ‘safer’ Schoolies.
The festivities last from mid-November to December.
This week, Sunshine Coast Police issued a ‘timely reminder’ to visitors heading to a party.
The police unit warned that this may be the case ‘opportunists who target school leavers’.
“Make responsible choices, look out for your friends and stick together when you’re out and about,” urged Superintendent Craig Hawkins.