Starting today, new legislation empowers school principals with the authority to ban parents from school premises for up to six months and impose significant fines. This measure aims to combat increasing instances of violence, threats, and online abuse directed at school staff.

Over the past five years, the number of parental bans in state schools has surged by 200 percent, reflecting the growing challenge principals face in managing abusive behavior.

Russell Barwell, the principal of North Prospect Primary, expressed the necessity of such measures: “It is something sometimes that it’s necessary. It allows us to remove emotion from the situation.”

Recent statistics reveal a notable uptick in the issuance of formal warnings to parents by public schools. This year alone, 206 warning letters have been dispatched, up from just 61 five years ago. Additionally, 107 barring notices have been enforced, underscoring the escalating need for intervention.

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.