Principals given power to suspend, expel students outside school grounds

The Allan government has announced sweeping new powers for school principals across Victoria, allowing them to take further action for student behaviour outside school grounds and online.From the first day of term 3 this year, principals across Victorian schools will have expanded powers to suspend or expel students for behaviour outside the school gates and behind a screen.

The change in powers is in line with NSW and South Australia, which have implemented such capacities for principals to suspend, exclude or expel students for behaviour that could affect student and staff safety.

It is also in response to an increase in online abuse and harassment among students, particularly online, including deepfakes and AI-generated images.

In February, police launched an investigation after a “number of sexually explicit, digitally generated images of teenage girls who attend Gladstone Park Secondary College were circulated online”.

Education Minister Ben Carroll said the change would “send a clear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online has consequences”.

“In Victoria, community safety comes first,” 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.”

As part of the sweeping new powers, $4.2m will be invested to offer support for victims who experienced sexual harm and abuse from another student – either online or in person – through Sexual Assault Services Victoria. The state budget also allocated $10.4m to expand the Positive Behaviour Support program, which teaches students appropriate behaviour, develops safe learning spaces and offers support for students who require behavioural assistance.