Act’s ‘reasonable force’ plan for disruptive students sparks safety fears

The Act Party's proposal to permit school staff to use "reasonable force" to remove disruptive students is raising safety concerns among education leaders. The party argues that the measure is necessary to address significant classroom disruption, citing a report from the Education Review Office that highlighted teachers' extensive time spent managing unruly behavior.

Beyond the use of force, the proposed changes also include provisions for fining parents up to $3000 if their children repeatedly disrupt school environments. Act believes these measures will help restore order and improve the learning atmosphere for all students.

However, prominent figures in the education sector have voiced apprehension. They warn that empowering staff with the authority to use physical force, even if deemed reasonable, could escalate conflicts and potentially lead to more dangerous situations within schools. These leaders fear the policy might inadvertently compromise the safety of both students and educators, undermining the goal of creating a secure learning environment.