Daily London
Under the legislation, which takes effect today, parents can be banned from school grounds for up to six months and face hefty fines, as principals push back on violence, threats and online abuse.
The frequency of parental bans in the state’s schools has increased by 200 per cent over the past five years as principals deal with rising levels of abusive incidents.
“It is something sometimes that it’s necessary,” North Prospect Primary principal Russell Barwell said.
“It allows us to remove emotion from the situation.”
Recent data indicates a marked rise in formal warnings issued to parents by public schools, with 206 letters sent this year, compared to 61 five years ago, while 107 barring notices have been issued.
“Assault… we’ve had members stalked,” South Australian Primary Principals Association president Tobiahs O’Connor said.
“We’ve had a whole range of things that just make your skin crawl.”
The new laws extend the maximum ban period from three to six months and also cover online abuse in addition to verbal and physical threats.
Parents and carers have been found to be the top source of bullying, slander and sexual harassment for principals to deal with. Education Minister Blair Boyer said the new laws are critical to spark change.
“We had to send a message to adults out there that are exhibiting this totally unacceptable behaviour,” Education Minister Blair Boyer said.
Recourse action for parents remains the same, with appeals dealt with by the minister.
