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1 year ago
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Teens have been left baffled by a small pink object included in this year's Schoolies safety pack which organisers say will stop their drinks getting spiked.
Thousands of revelers poured into Surfers Paradise, Queensland at the weekend to begin their post-graduation partying, with organisers gifting each with a tote bag of goodies.
One item included in the pack was a single use anti-drink spiking stopper for schoolies to put in their drink bottles.
The idea was that the stopper blocks the bottle's opening and prevents alcohol and drugs being slipped in - a safety measure that does not work for revellers drinking out of cups.
Partygoer Ange Loeber however did not read the pamphlets provided in her gift bag and instead took to TikTok to ask others what exactly the peculiar ribbed item was for.
Ange Loeber was left puzzled when she showed up for Schoolies week and was given a small pink object that turned out to be an anti-drink spiking stopper
Luckily for Ange hundreds of commenters responded to her video explaining what the item was.
Despite their help however she still deemed the item 'honestly useless' since most people drank out of cups.
A Schoolies spokesperson defended the item as an option for those that do prefer drinking from bottles and cans.
'[They are] for one use only and help prevent drinks from being spiked,' a 2023 Safer Schoolies spokesperson said.
'They come with a guide that clearly outlines their use [and] safety messages to help prevent drink spiking'.
The spike-stopper was one of many Queensland government initiatives that are being trialed at this year's Schoolies, which is being branded a 'safer' event.
More than 20,000 teens are expected to celebrate their graduations in hotspot locations like the Sunshine Coast, Surfers Paradise, Bali and Fiji.
Attendees at this years' Schoolies were given a tote bag each which included a lanyard pouch for their phones, numerous safety pamphlets and the spike-stopped that puzzled many
In the past schoolies events have been affiliated with stories of rape and drink spiking, prompting organisers of this years event to rebrand as a 'safer' Schoolies
Festivities span from mid-November through to December.
This week Sunshine Coast Police issued a 'timely reminder' for attendees heading out to party.
The police unit warned that there may be 'opportunists targeting school leavers'.
'Make responsible choices, watch your mates and stick together when you're out and about,' Superintendent Craig Hawkins urged.
Safer Schoolies' tips to protect yourself from drink spiking
Drink spiking involves someone putting alcohol or drugs into another's drink without their knowledge or permission.
According to the Queensland Police Drugs and Alcohol Unit, the most common drug used in drink spiking is alcohol.
Tips on how to avoid your drink being spiked are:
- Don't accept drinks from others, particularly strangers
- Don't take your eyes off your drinks or leave them unattended
- Do not share or swap drinks with others
- Be wary if someone serves you a drink that is different from what you requested
- Try to stick to drinks in bottles with screw top lids
- If you feel sick or dizzy, ask someone you trust to take you to a safe place
- If you suspect drink spiking, don't risk it – always call Triple-0
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