Schools could ban parents and take them to court

Schools will be able to sue parents who troll them online or ban them from school ground for abusive behaviour in a bold move.

Victorian schools will have the authority to ban parents who engage in threatening behaviour online or in person, with a possible penalty of up to $10,000 for those who don’t comply.

The Victorian Government announced the extended powers last month to combat aggressive parental behaviour and better protect teachers and students at schools.

Under the new laws, schools will have the authority to ban aggressive and violent parents from entering school grounds.

New laws give schools the power to ban abusive parents from school property. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

In a bold move to protect teachers and students, school authorities will also have the power to restrict access to parents who engage in abusive communication on social media or online.

Schools will be able to issue School Community Safety Orders to parents or carers displaying threatening behaviour which would restrict their access to school property.

Those who disregard the order would face fines of up to $10,000 in a Magistrate’s Court.

However the school authorities must ensure the parents can still be updated on their child’s education, attendance, and activities.

The new laws will come into effect at the start of term three on June 28.

Minister for Education James Merlino said the laws would provide “additional protection” for school communities against a “tiny minority” of abusive parents.

The new laws will protect students and staff from aggressive and threatening parent behaviour. Picture: Tim Hunter

“This is about giving staff and students protection at school from abusive behaviour, from repeated acts of aggression, including online aggression,” he said.

“No one should be threatened or intimidated at work or at school – that’s why we’re introducing these new laws to protect staff, students and their families.”

Minister Merlino said it was a sad indictment that the laws were necessary, but noted they will form the “missing piece” to protect teachers against abusive behaviour that doesn’t necessitate police intervention.

“It’s a tiny minority of incidents, but it is very very serious,” he said.

“Hopefully we can stamp out this bad behaviour.”

Banned parents will still be able to contact teachers about their child’s education. Picture: Wayne Taylor

If the abusive behaviour continues, school authorities will have the option to extend bans for a further year.

Schools will have the discretion to impose the orders as needed, and parents will be able to appeal for a review through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.