Parents Face School Bans for Online Harassment

New legislation is set to strengthen school safety by allowing principals to issue immediate verbal orders for parents to leave school premises. This measure, effective from the start of term 1 next year, also mandates the removal of any harmful content posted by parents on social media or WhatsApp groups.

The government is also working to lower the threshold for issuing community safety orders to address 'unacceptable threats,' including verbal and physical intimidation, by the start of 2027. These changes come in response to a reported 60% increase in violence and threats against teachers over the past four years.

These enhanced powers aim to protect school staff beyond the school gate, recognizing that harmful behaviors can occur in the community and online. A recent review and consultation with the school sector highlighted the prevalence of personal attacks and derogatory comments targeting staff and schools.

The Australian Education Union's Victorian branch has welcomed the proposed changes, citing the significant toll that physical and psychological harm against school employees takes on their health and wellbeing. Opposition parties have called for the full legislation, arguing that the issue is not new and that schools have felt disempowered to act.