AMA Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that Schoolies Week is a traditional celebration for students after a tough year, but it is also a time of high health risk for young people.

Dr Hambleton, a Brisbane GP, said the focus has been on preventing the risks of alcohol and binge drinking but students should be equally careful and cautious about their sexual health.

"Schoolies Week is a time when young people can be pressured to have sex, and alcohol is often involved," Dr Hambleton said.

"These kids have just finished school and want to have fun, but this doesn't mean they should be pressured into having sex. Parents and peers should remind them that it is okay to take time to make important decisions about sexual relationships.

"Hasty decisions in the heat of the moment can lead to problems like sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

"Common sense and cool heads should prevail during Schoolies Week…