The transition from the schoolyard to Schoolies happens all too quickly for many parents, as it did for me. As you wave bravely goodbye, and your son or daughter heads off to celebrate with thousands of adrenalin-fuelled teenagers in the streets of Surfers Paradise, you are faced with the realisation that your son or daughter must now make their own decisions.

As someone who has been at the coal face of drug and alcohol education in Queensland for many years, I come with welcome news to any anxious parents. Your children are likely to make better decisions than you may think.

In fact, this generation is making far better choices than any of those before them.

Firstly, with thanks to education programs like Life Education, the incidence of smoking for over 18s has decreased from 25 per cent regular smokers in 2001 to 17 per cent in 2013. That alone demonstrates a generation who have listened to what it takes to lead a healthy life and taken action.

Changing Australia's entrenched alcohol culture is a slightly greater challenge and will take more than a generation, but we are making strides. In 2014-15, 17.4 per cent of adults aged 18 years and over consumed more than two standard drinks per day on average, exceeding the lifetime risk guideline. Worrying, yes - but the good news is this was a decrease from 2011-12 when 19.5 per cent of adults exceeded the guideline. For those with under-18 school leavers, you'll be pleased to hear that the proportion of 12 to 15-year-olds and 16 to 17-year-olds abstaining from alcohol increased from 69.9 per cent in 2007 to 77.2 per cent in 2010, and from 24.4 per cent to 31.6 per cent, respectively. It's likely your kids are among this group who are making smarter, healthier decisions than our own generation did.

You should also seek some solace knowing that many of this generation of Queenslanders - from the Gold Coast to Goondiwindi and from Warwick to Weipa - have benefited from the positive preventative education that Life Education has delivered to over 1.5 million Queenslanders since 1987. We have covered everything from smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs, nutrition, healthy relationships, identity, decision making and personal safety.

And it works. Teachers tell us it works, parents tell us it works. And many thousands of graduates tell us too. From health professionals to sports people to our very own educators, the lives of many Australians have been positively influenced by their experience of Life Education.

There's also so many great organisations on the ground at Schoolies to keep kids' safe. Armed with their ice breaking Allen's Red Frogs, The Red Frogs have been operating at Schoolies for over 14 years providing a positive presence in the crazy party culture. More than 1200 volunteers patrol the streets supporting young people, specialising in walk homes, pancakes and room cleaning. There is also a highly visible presence of services such as police, security, emergency services, officials and volunteers manning the scene.

So, as you reach this milestone with both trepidation and joy, try to remember that Schoolies Week will be one of the most exciting weeks of your child's life. Reflect on the education and skills that you, your children's teachers and programs like Life Education have equipped your children with to make responsible decisions, and take a deep breath. While you're at it, give yourself a pat on the back. You have successfully seen your child through the most important years of their life. And, you'll never need to pack them another school lunch again.

Michael Fawsitt is the CEO of Life Education Queensland