Scale of school weapon crisis revealed with dozens of incidents across NSW
There have been dozens of incidents of possession of a knife or a gun on NSW school grounds in the 12 months to August 31, as experts warn social media is fuelling the problem.
There have been 153 incidents of possession of a knife or a gun on NSW school grounds in the 12 months to August 31, new data reveals.
It comes after the shocking alleged knife murder of a schoolboy in Rouse Hill this week.
In 2024, there were 224 knife-related incidents in NSW schools, Police Minister Yasmin Catley told a parliamentary inquiry.
Earlier this week, two teenagers, both aged 15, were charged over the alleged murder of a 17-year-old boy.
The incident unfolded behind Rouse Hill High School in a parkland area frequented by local families.
In another incident, also earlier this month, a 15-year-old male student was tasered and arrested by police at North Sydney Boys High School after he was found walking on the school grounds with a large knife.
In September, the Minns government launched a campaign to warn Sydney school students about knife crime.
The latest data covers independent, Catholic and public schools across the state, and includes reports that happen outside of school hours and involve the use of fake weapons such as toys.
At a recent Budget Estimates hearing, Nationals MP Nichole Overall questioned NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley about the number of weapons police were finding in schools and on school grounds.
“I can’t pinpoint directly on school grounds. This is an education program to prevent children from actually going down the pathway of committing the crime,” Ms Catley responded.
“What we are trying to do is educate kids, just like we do about any type of crime, but in relation to knife crime. We are seeing more and more young people out and about with knives, and that needs to stop. That’s what this is about.”
A NSW Department of Education spokesman said schools across NSW were overwhelmingly safe places.
“We do not tolerate weapons on school grounds. Any student who brings a weapon to school faces disciplinary and police action,” he said.
Criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy, a former police officer of almost 30 years, said social media was influencing teens who were bringing weapons to school.
“They see that someone gets a lot of likes and see that it makes them popular. It gives them a sense of reputation,” he said.
“There’s never an excuse for a child taking a weapon to school.
“Parenting also has a role in this, in terms of parents making it clear to their kids that going to school with a weapon is just not acceptable.”
A NSW Police spokeswoman said: “Carrying a weapon is a criminal offence in NSW and poses a serious risk of harm.”
“Being armed increases the likelihood of violence and tragic outcomes,” she said.
“We urge parents and guardians to talk openly with their children about the risks of carrying knives or weapons, and to seek support if they have concerns.”
The NSW Police Youth Command runs Operation Pivot throughout the state, which is a prevention, early intervention and diversionary focused operation aimed at young people aged between 10 to 17.
In the most recent operation in September, 217 secondary schools attended delivering anti- violence presentations and 12,670 students engaged through education and outreach events.
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Originally published as Scale of school weapon crisis revealed with dozens of incidents across NSW
