Victorian school principals will soon be able to suspend or expel students for serious behavioural issues that occur outside school grounds or online, under new powers introduced by the Allan Labor Government. The changes, set to take effect from day one of Term 3 this year, mark a significant shift in school discipline policy—raising both hopes and questions about how we got here.
Previously, school leaders could only take such disciplinary action for behaviour occurring within school grounds. The updated policy aligns Victoria with similar laws already in place in New South Wales and South Australia and is intended to address growing concerns around harmful behaviour—particularly online—that impacts student and staff wellbeing.
While presented as a proactive safety measure, the announcement also highlights how successive governments have struggled to keep up with changing patterns of student behaviour, especially online
Critics argue that these powers may be a response to failures in earlier efforts to manage school safety—both in terms of student conduct and the systems meant to support them.
In 2020, the government implemented a high-profile ban on mobile phones in schools, which was widely hailed as a national first. However, that policy did little to curb online bullying and misconduct happening off-campus.
More recently, the government introduced “Safe Socials” digital literacy resources and proposed a social media ban for children under 16—steps that some see as too little, too late.
Now, the government is investing $10.4 million through the 2025/26 Budget to expand its School-wide Positive Behaviour Support program, which aims to foster respectful conduct and safer learning environments.
Another $4.2 million has been allocated to support students impacted by sexual harm—whether in person or online—with services offered through Sexual Assault Services Victoria.
The reforms also draw on the findings of the 2018 Protective Schools Ministerial Taskforce, which recommended tougher policies to protect students and staff from threats and abuse. But with this policy change coming nearly seven years later, critics may question whether the government has been slow to act on its own advice.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the new rules send a clear message. “In Victoria, community safety comes first. These strengthened powers send a clear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online has consequences.”
“The safety of students, teachers and school staff is our top priority – we’re investing in programs that foster more respectful schools and acting to protect school communities.” said Carroll
Policy Reflects Broader Shift In School & Student Safety
The updated policy reflects a broader shift in how school safety is understood. It also poses new questions. With school principals now responsible for managing behaviour well beyond the classroom, some are wondering whether the government is empowering educators—or asking them to pick up the slack where other systems have failed.
Victoria’s Opposition said the announcement had “blindsided” school principals.
“What we need to understand is what are the parameters. It was unclear where responsibility over a student’s actions outside of school hours ended.,” Shadow Education Minister Jess Wilson said.”
Cyberbullying and Student Safety Push Schools Beyond the Classroom
Cyberbullying—using digital platforms to intimidate, harass, or harm children and young people—has grown steadily more insidious over the past decade. Increasingly, this includes the use of deepfakes and AI-generated images to target students, often beyond school hours and off school grounds.
Yet the consequences of online abuse are deeply felt during the school day. Victims of cyberbullying may experience a drop in academic performance, even at the primary school level, and often struggle with strained or broken social relationships.
As a result, schools are frequently drawn into managing the fallout—providing academic and welfare support while also handling on-campus tensions and social disruptions.
The blurring of online and offline responsibilities isn’t limited to digital spaces. In 2024, a landmark ruling by the NSW Supreme Court found that a public high school held a duty of care for a student assaulted by classmates outside school grounds and after hours.
The court cited a known history of violence involving one of the attackers, extending the school’s responsibility “beyond the confines of the school boundaries and outside of its operating hours.”
What Does This Mean For School Principals?
For some school principals, the new powers may bring a sense of relief—offering clearer authority to respond to the most serious and harmful behaviours. This could include managing cases of online harassment, cyberbullying, or emerging trends like students creating and sharing appearance-based rating lists or other forms of digital humiliation.
However, for others, the changes may raise concerns. With school leaders already grappling with heavy workloads and increasing expectations, there is apprehension that these new responsibilities will stretch their time and resources even further.
The pressure to manage complex social issues, often originating outside school grounds, may leave some principals feeling more burdened than empowered.
As part of the new powers, the government will also invest $4.2 million to support students who have experienced sexual harm or abuse—whether online or in person—by providing access to services through Sexual Assault Services Victoria.
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