In the play Blackrock, the writer explores teen experiences on a number of levels, from dealing with romance (albeit this is a tiny part), moral limits, and the strength of friendship (however, this is the major issue) to peer pressure, relationship with parents and the evils of underage drinking. These are conveyed both through text, and through the action directions in the play itself.

The first instance of peer pressure is in the scene in which Ricko arrives. As Ricko sees Toby as (1) someone from the other side of the river, and therefore an outsider, and (2) someone new and hence a potential enemy, he begins to bag him out. Needing to do something to look cool, Toby, thinking quickly, says he's going to have his birthday at the surfies club house. This sets in motion a chain of events that will destroy many lives.

The second instance of...