SA schools reported more than 13,100 critical incidents in 2023 as new data reveals massive jumps in anti-social behaviour

New figures reveal the alarming trends putting students at risk in South Australia’s public schools, with sexual abuse, self harm and weapons incidents soaring.

A 50 per cent surge in violent incidents across state schools was recorded in 2023, with massive jumps in reports that involved weapons, property damage and sexual behaviour also documented.

New Education Department data also shows rising rates of e-crime and concerns about the welfare of students.

However, Education Minister Blair Boyer claimed Sunday, the ban of mobile phones in schools was helping turn the tide with “an almost 30 per cent decrease in violent incidents involving kicking and punching in high schools” in the first half of 2024.

In 2023, critical incidents reported by school staff have jumped to more than 13,100 from 10,300 the previous year.

A critical incident is defined as a “significant, unusual or threatening event” that can be disruptive, contentious, create significant danger and risk or attract media scrutiny.

Data reveals a 50 per cent surge in violent incidents at state schools in 2023, with massive jumps in reports that involved weapons, property damage and sexual behaviour. Picture: Nine News

These incidents do not just involve students but can include intruders and weapons on campus, alleged misconduct by teachers and inappropriate behaviour by parents.

In one recent case an angry parent spat on a principal.

Sexual behaviour and self-harm by students in public schools is soaring, prompting calls for more support for those struggling with mental health or troubles at home.

SA Primary Principals Association president Tobias O’Connor said such incidents were becoming more common amid higher rates of trauma, anxiety and dysregulation among students.

Parents were also grappling with “their own mental health needs or are under the influence of illicit substances or alcohol”, Mr O’Connor said.

The figures reveal reports of sexual behaviour have more than doubled in the past eight years and self-harm incidents are up 140 per cent.

Teachers lodged almost 1000 “care concerns” about children last year – more than four times the number lodged in 2016.

Mr Boyer said the concerns were “not something that is easy to change overnight” but the government was “putting in the extra resources needed’’.

Education Department chief executive Martin Westwell said many of the issues “begin beyond the school gate”.

“While these may be beyond the control of our sites to completely prevent, we are putting in resources where we can to limit, influence and manage such behaviour,” he said.

The government has hired 100 mental health workers for schools, deployed security guards and invested $1m in anti-bullying programs.

There are about 170,000 students enrolled across about 900 public preschool, primary and high school campuses across SA.

Private schools do not report the same information publicly.

Police attend campuses for serious injuries, self-harm, violence or to hunt an intruder.

Schools called for help in 110 emergency incidents last year, had to dial a snake catcher 45 times and made 13 reports about national security concerns.

There were 99 arrests on campuses, up from 57 the previous year.

Opposition education spokesman, John Gardner said the figures “paint an alarming picture across the board”.

“They also highlight the challenges facing teachers in the classroom, particularly as South Australia is now grappling with the most significant school staffing shortage in living memory.’’