Suspensions surge as Darwin school assaults rise, data shows

ASSAULTS in Darwin schools are on the rise, which has resulted in a surge in students being suspended from the classroom

ASSAULTS in Darwin schools are on the rise, which has resulted in a surge in students being suspended from the classroom.

It follows a brutal fight at Darwin High School on Monday which left a teenager in hospital and multiple students facing “lengthy suspensions”.

There has been a 45 per cent rise in Darwin school students being suspended due to assaults, from 40 to 58, when comparing data from Term 1, 2017, and Term 1, 2018.

Palmerston and the rural area data has stayed stable at 68 suspensions due to assaults in the first term of this year, compared to 69 last year.

The figures represent 2.4 per cent of the total number of students enrolled at Darwin and Palmerston public schools.

A screen grab from the sickening video of a teenage student being punched in the face at Darwin High School

An Education Department spokeswoman said there was no tolerance for the behaviour shown by high school students on Monday.

She said Darwin High School principal Jill Hazeldine and Casuarina Senior College principal Glen Dixon had identified the students involved and met with their families.

“The principals have met with the students’ families and are working with the Northern Territory Police and their Youth and Community Engagement officers to investigate restorative justice options and education moving forward,” the spokeswoman said.

“All students involved in the incident have received disciplinary action, including lengthy suspensions.”

TENSION ‘OVER A GIRL’ SPARKED WILD SCHOOL BRAWL

Whole of school assemblies will be held at both schools to discuss the fight and reinforce schools’ expectations.

Police have also been invited to attend the assemblies.

Investigations into the fight are ongoing. It is not yet known if charges will be laid against any of the students.

Education Minister Selena Uibo said she would be happy to reinstate a school-based constable program at schools interested in participating.

LIMITED TIME: GET THESE AMAZING SENNHEISER HEADPHONES WITH AN NT NEWS SUBSCRIPTION

“As Education Minister, I would like to see a policing program back in our schools as soon as possible but it is important we continue to talk with all parties involved to determine the best and most sustainable model and to plan comprehensively for its implementation,” she said.

The Council of Government Schools Organisation met yesterday with police to discuss bringing back School Based Constables.

A pilot program is expected to start by the end of the year.