BADLY behaved parents who threaten teacher and student safety could be fined up to $500 or banned from school grounds under the government’s education reforms.
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The anti-aggression penalties would zero-in on adults who lash out at teachers or parents on school grounds, swearing and brawling in front of students.
They sit alongside an option to grant principals access to students’ criminal and school histories for ‘‘risk assessment’’ during new enrolment processes.
The steps to increase school safety are suggested in the Hodgman government’s review of the 20-year-old Education Act.
Education sources say that in some instances principals have been forced to take out restraining orders against parents.
In others cases, violent incidents have led to court action.
Several parents have also been banned from entering school grounds after speaking and acting aggressively at school or sporting events.
Tasmanian Association of State Schools Organisations president Jenny Eddington said the unacceptable behaviours ranged from parents being abusive to staff through to parents arguing with other parents about matters involving their children.
‘‘There isaneed for schools to have powers in place to protect people – staff, students and parents,’’ she said.
’‘‘Everyone has a right to feel safe and for there to be appropriate measures available to deal with those whose behaviour isn’t appropriate.’’
Mrs Eddington ruled out financial penalties but was in favour of powers to ban people from school grounds
Australian Education Union president Terry Polglase praised Education president Terry Polglase praised Education Minisiter Jeremy Rockliff for acknowledging the safety issues.
''It has obviously come to his attention that there are issues in schools where his staff need to be protected and that he is looking to support not only the workforce but also the school communities,'' Mr Polglase said.
'"We would be very interested in having the discussions about what might be put in place to support profession.''
Mr Polglase mentioned laws recently enacted in Queensland that allow principals to verbally ban people immediately from school grounds for 24-hours.
The Education Act review discussion paper looks at laws in South Australia, where people can be fined up to $500 for insulting a teacher who is working, and in the Australian Capital Territory, where principals and teachers can ask people to leave schools if they are offensive or causing disruption.
