It's been a long, tough year for Grade 12 students and just as in years past, the class of 2009 will be planning carefully and anticipating the 14-day-long party at the seaside. Likewise, the towns of Plettenberg Bay, Shelley Beach, Ballito and Umhlanga are all gearing up for the onslaught of pent-up teenagers finally let loose. And while it's about celebration and freedom, there are a few more sinister concerns that parents and matriculants should be aware of.

After many years of trashed hotel rooms, noise at all hours and threats from irate parents, holiday resorts in these chosen party towns seem to be collectively putting their foot down, and refusing to book kids on matric holiday. Though this might seem a bit of a kill-joy, the cost of hosting these wild fortnights has become too high for many resorts.

So, matriculants may be facing a little more resistance than in the past. But with some rather shocking stories out there, I would say it?s not unwarranted.

Not unlike the crazed college Spring Break held over a week in March in California every year, Matric Rave is a huge party in which excessive drinking tends to be the main activity. With stories of couches being thrown out of hotel windows, drinks spiked with drugs, dodgy men on the prowl and losing friends during club-hopping sessions in past years, matriculants of this year need to be aware of possible dangers, as well as ready to act in an emergency.

Just out of school and used to having their parents on their backs about everything, it?s no wonder that matriculants go wild during this holiday. On the lighter side, I?ve heard of students who have decided not to bath for the entire week they?re on holiday, or those who eat take-out for every single meal so that, by the end, they?re hugely grateful to be going back to home-cooked meals.

Having this freedom allows them the opportunity to explore and discover how they handle different situations on their own. It?s a positive thing in many ways and though I think it?s really important that parents and their children are well-informed about the possible dangers, I also believe that going on Matric Rave is a great experience and, hopefully, one that can be remembered with fondness.

Here are a few tips and suggestions that could assist matriculants while they?re away and hopefully also put parents' minds at ease.

  • Designate a driver... and stick to it. It?s a great way to have a good party ? knowing that there is someone reliable and sober to drive you home. If the issue of whose car you're using and who has a licences isn't easy to resolve (or if you don't have a car), try an alternative by doing some research and finding a good taxi service.

  • Don?t leave your drink unattended. And if you do, then give it up as lost and go get a fresh one. It?s not worth risking getting drugged, no matter what party you?re at. Spiking drinks can be done by the most innocent-looking people.

  • Stay with your group. No matter what. And never leave anyone behind, whether that's to go sleep in the party bus while the rest of you have fun or to walk back to your room. Try to keep together as this will minimise the chances of anything dodgy happening to any of you.

  • Carry less cash. Try to arrange that you buy tickets before events, or carry a card to swipe ? it reduces the risk of losing cash in a crowded place.

  • Keep your emergency number on speed dial. Whether you decide to add the flying squad, the nearest police station or even a friend or family member that's close by, make sure you have a way to contact them as quickly as possible should the need arise.

    • The bottom line is to have fun, but always to be aware. It's definitely not worth partying so hard that you end up regretting your actions for years to come. And lastly, congratulations on making it through 12 years of school! Here's to stepping out into the real world. Cheers.