Editorial: The Schoolies phenomenon

Rotorua teens probably don't need any lessons from their Australian counterparts when it comes to end of year partying.

But local principal Patrick Walsh says teenagers here are copying the Australian "schoolies" tradition, which over there has led on occasion to injuries, deaths or criminal behaviour.

Schoolies week comes at the end of the school year and is a big booze-fuelled excuse for a final farewell party with schoolmates before they go their separate ways.

It began in the 70s with school leavers from all over Aussie flocking to the Gold Coast and that area is still the biggest venue for schoolies revelry. This year 40,000 were expected to arrive for the event.

What could possibly go wrong?

We should probably be thankful that more of our teens aren't taking advantage of closer ties and cheaper flights and joining the Gold Coast party.

But there are probably enough causing mayhem in our own backyard.

And that's not a new phenomenon. Teens have been getting boozed since the year dot - particularly on New Year's Eve.

Mr Walsh isn't wrong: teens plus excessive alcohol plus no supervision is a lethal cocktail.

And it can be a year-round problem. But the added ingredients of summer holidays, impending independence and the going-away-party factor can be cause for alarm.

Two key messages: 1) Parents should know and care what their kids are up to. 2) Teens should look after themselves and their mates.

Teenagers on the verge of adulthood are at the end and beginning of incredible journeys.

To screw everything up for the sake of a boozy party would be such a waste.