A funky, flirty red panda called Ray could be the answer to stopping Schoolies binge-drinking and “crossing their stupid line”, according to QUT research.
Ray’s Night Out, a free iPhone app developed by QUT and the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, gives tips about safe alcohol consumption and drinking limits in a fun and engaging way.
Young people take Ray the red panda for a virtual night out, setting him a budget for drinks and food, watching him dance and flirt, and learning tips for safe drinking through bar trivia. The aim of the game is to learn strategies to keep Ray under his “stupid line” – the point where a good night out turns bad – and collect “good vibe points” to unlock rewards.
QUT’s Associate Professor Leanne Hides, a clinical psychologist with expertise in substance abuse disorders in young people, said a trial of the app with 197 people aged between 16 and 25 found it significantly increased users’ knowledge of alcohol-related harm and safe drinking strategies, which could lead to decreased alcohol consumption.
“The study showed young people using the app significantly reduced the average number of typical and maximum drinks consumed in one night,” she said.
“And while only a small number of participants said the app motivated them to change their drinking habits, results showed that problematic alcohol-related behaviours did actually change for the better.”
Professor Hides said up to 30 per cent of young people drink at risky levels at least weekly, with binge-drinking common during Schoolies week.
“Schoolies week should be fun, but unfortunately one in four Schoolies injures themselves, one in four vomits, and one in five pass out, all as a result of alcohol,” she said.
“Ray’s Night Out is a step in the right direction to addressing risky drinking behaviours among young people, increasing awareness of the associated hazards, and reducing the negative impact of the drinking to intoxication culture.
“The gamification element of the app makes it an entertaining, non-stigmatising and accessible way of teaching young people safe drinking strategies.
“It is a great reminder that by crossing your stupid line, a good night out quickly turns into a bad one.”
Associate Professor Jane Burns, CEO of the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, encouraged Schoolies to download the app.
“Year 12 is a stressful year and the top two concerns of young people are coping with stress and school or study problems,” she said.
“Combine this with the fact that almost 40 per cent of Australians use alcohol to manage their stress, and though it is disappointing, it is not surprising that these young people are exceeding safe drinking limits.”
Download the free Ray’s Night Out app now from the iTunes App Store - http://bit.ly/raysnightout
Media contact:
Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
