Table 2 Schoolies as a representation of a departure from the past

Phase characteristics

Leaving behind:

- School

  School finishing and not having to deal with stupid school problems (M, Yr11, high SES, <=1/month, high-risk).

- Parental oversight

  Having a week away from the responsibilities of school and work, as well as parental supervision to just spend time with my friends and just have a fun and memorable experience (F, Yr12, med SES, >1/month, high-risk).

- Sexual inexperience

  Enjoy friendships, reminisce on memories, and lose virginity (F, Yr11, med SES, <=1/month, high-risk).

Role of alcohol

- Marker of moving from past to present

  Having awesome drunken times with my best friends as we move on from school and become adults together (M, Yr12, high SES, >1/month, high-risk).

- Symbol of new maturity

  Spending time with friends, being independent (away from family), having that sense of ‘growing up’, drinking, partying (F, Yr11, med SES, <=1/month, low-risk).