Young travelers heading abroad for post-graduation celebrations are being advised to exercise caution in light of recent methanol poisoning incidents in Southeast Asia.
According to the latest research from DrinkWise, more school leavers are opting for reduced alcohol consumption during their Schoolies celebrations. In the 2023-24 cohort, an impressive 92 percent incorporated alcohol-free activities into their itineraries.
Among those traveling internationally, 32 percent chose to abstain from alcohol entirely during their trips, a significant contrast to the 19 percent who did the same while staying in Australia.
Despite this caution, only 18 percent of students traveling overseas expressed concerns about the risk of methanol poisoning.
In response, DrinkWise has partnered with Smartraveller and the mothers of methanol poisoning victims, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, to launch a campaign. It urges parents to discuss alcohol risks and communication strategies with their teenagers before they embark on overseas adventures.
Michelle Jones and Samantha Bowles, the mothers involved in the campaign, shared their tragic experiences: “Bianca and Holly were abroad when they consumed drinks laced with methanol, a situation that was out of their control and should never have occurred,” they stated.
“We urge parents to talk to their children before Schoolies, reminding them to be vigilant, to ask questions, to not assume what they’re drinking is safe and to look after their friends.
“Nothing will ever bring back Bianca and Holly but if knowing what happened to them can help other kids make safe choices then something can come from our loss.”
Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones died last November after an apparent methanol poisoning at a bar in Laos, which claimed six lives overall.
DrinkWise said it would team up with Smartraveller on the key Schoolies travel date of November 29 to have people at international airport terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to pass on safety advice to ex-students.
“DrinkWise research shows school-leavers are making safer choices at Schoolies, but timely reminders remain critical,” DrinkWise chief executive Simon Strahan said.
Education Minister Jason Clare said school leavers had earned the right to celebration, but urged them to look out for their mates.
“We know the sense of freedom at the end of school can sometimes lead to risky choices, especially when alcohol is involved,” he said.
