Victorian school principals now have the authority to suspend or expel students when their behaviour outside school or online puts fellow students and staff at serious risk. The change brings Victoria into line with NSW and South Australia and seeks to address concerns around harmful behaviour which happens outside school hours, particularly online, but affects student and staff safety. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, said school principals will use these expanded powers only when necessary to protect their school community. He said these expanded powers are intended to act as the appropriate framework to ensure school leaders have the authorisation to act where necessary. Minister Carroll said the majority of off-site student behaviour remains outside the reach of this policy, as it relates to rare but serious cases, such as threats or intimidation carried out online or in social settings, which spill into school and can cause real harm. “These strengthened powers send a clear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online has consequences,” he said. “The safety of students, teachers and school staff is our top priority: we’re investing in programs that foster more respectful schools and acting to protect school communities. “This builds on our nation-leading ban on mobile phones in schools and our support of a social media ban for kids; keeping kids safe in the classroom and online.”
