Tasmanian state schools are on track to break the record for the highest number of student suspensions in 2023.
Department of Education data, as of October 9, shows there have been 8,772 suspensions in Tasmanian government schools, involving 3,943 students, surpassing the total number of suspensions for 2022 (8,873) and 2021 (8,478).
Even Prep students, aged 4-5, are being suspended, with 70 incidents recorded this year compared to 61 in 2022.
Incidents of threatening behaviour, harassment, stalking and illegal behaviour have increased in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The government have acknowledged the increasing problem and said that suspensions are used as a last resort in situations where there is an immediate threat to students or staff.
Initiatives are being implemented to address the rising suspensions, including working with identified schools, building staff capacity to handle complex behaviour and focusing on trauma management.
Updated student behaviour management policies and procedures will be introduced in 2024, along with a detailed analysis of suspension figures and potential social reasons behind the increase.
