High school and university students around Australia will take time out of classes tomorrow to protest against Pauline Hanson and One Nation, with posters promoting the event calling on students to “stand up against the far right” and to “fight against racism”.

The protests – planned for Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Wollongong – are expected to draw large crowds.

For many young people, attending a protest for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming.

My research focuses on young people’s health and harm reduction in mass gatherings.

Understanding how to stay safe, what to expect, and what to do if you feel uncomfortable in a demonstration can help make the experience more positive.

What to expect

Being surrounded by people who care deeply about an issue can create a sense of community and belonging. Young people who participate in protests or discussion forums that matter to them often report feeling that their voices matter and that they are participating and contributing to civic life.

At the same time, a large crowd and demonstration can feel intimidating. There may be loud chanting, media coverage, police presence, and large numbers of unfamiliar people. It’s normal to feel nervous, excited, proud or uncertain – sometimes all at once.

Students may also discover not everyone shares the same opinions. Public
demonstrations bring together people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. Participating respectfully and listening to others are important parts of democratic engagement. So, think about what messages you wish to deliver and try not to get too caught up in the opinions of others.

Safety in crowds

Large crowds can be energetic and inspiring, but they can also present challenges.

Before attending a demonstration, it’s important to plan ahead:

1. let a trusted adult know where you are going, who you are going with, and when you expect to return

2. attend with friends whenever possible and agree on a specific meeting point, or make an exit plan in case you become separated

3. bring water, and ensure your phone is charged

4. while you are in the crowd, pay attention to instructions given by event organisers and emergency services. They are there to help keep you safe

5. as you are moving within the crowd stay aware of exits, open spaces, and ways to leave the area if necessary

6. it might sound obvious but wearing comfortable clothing and appropriate, sturdy and closed-toe footwear is a must. Your shoes shouldn’t cause you to trip or slip. They should also protect your feet from potential injuries that may occur in tight crowds, such as having your feet stepped on.

Remember, if a crowd becomes too dense, agitated or difficult to move through, it’s usually safest to move calmly toward the edge of the crowd rather than pushing through the centre. This means you can still participate but can exit more easily and keep an eye on what is happening without becoming caught up in a scuffle (if one occurs).

Trust your instincts

If at any point you feel unsafe, trust your instincts. Move away from the situation and seek a safer location. Stay with trusted friends or adults and avoid becoming isolated. If this is your first time protesting, think about going with a trusted adult.

If you are distressed, injured or frightened, seek assistance from event marshals, security personnel, police or emergency services. They are there to help you, not judge you.

Also, remember you do not have to stay. Leaving a demonstration is always an acceptable choice if you feel uncomfortable. Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing is more important than remaining in a situation that feels unsafe. Don’t wait until you feel so uncomfortable it’s hard to make a decision on whether to stay or leave.

Participating in public events can be an important learning experience for young people. By preparing well, staying aware of your surroundings, and knowing when to seek help, you and other young people can engage safely and confidently in civic life.

Alison Hutton receives funding from the NSW Disaster Resilience Fund.

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