(A276) Young People at Mass Gathering Events: Data Collection Tools and Findings

Abstract

Background

During the summer months in Australia, school leavers celebrate their end of school life at Schoolies festivals around the nation. These events are typically described as a mass gathering as they are an organised event taking place within a defined space, which is attended by a large number of people.

Discussion and Observations

Two research projects were undertaken to understand the Schoolies phenomenon. The first project was to understand the event as a mass gathering. The second to determine what was important to stay safe and healthy at this event from a young person's perspective. To understand the Schoolies event as a mass gathering Arbons conceptual framework was used which considers the psychosocial, environmental and biomedical aspects of the event. This study found that the crowd mood of the Schoolies were expressive, social and participatory. The environment was bounded, ticketed and dry. The bio-medical data showed a high patient presentation rate when compared to the Australian average. However most of the presentations were minor. What was of concern to the researchers were the high level of risky drinking that took part a this event. The second study used postcards to understand what young people perceived to be important to their health and safety whilst at Schoolies. 3 lead questions were used, and 9 items placed underneath each question to be ranked by participants. Data collected showed that exposure to illicit drugs and violent behaviour where of concern to them. The results from these studies highlights the need to re focus the Schoolies event to be inclusive of strategies that not only support young people to party safely, such as dry zones, but to support young people to feel safe from exposure to drugs, and to violence (physical and sexual) that can occur for many reasons.