The student behaviour challenge

The current digital and social media age has made poor behaviour a potential major catalyst for reputational damage.

While it is impossible to always pre-empt the actions of a student, the spotlight is now shone on the way the school responds.

The response can be divided into three areas:

1) The disciplinary response towards the offending students;

2) The support for any other students who may have been impacted by the behaviour; and

3) The message the response sends to the wider school community about its values.

We’ve dealt with a multitude of behavioural issues and while all are different, the principles behind the response are the same.

These include:

• Place your school’s values at the core of your response
• Take the behaviour seriously, viewing it through the eyes of parents and the community at large
• Provide due process to alleged offenders
• Investigate thoroughly and when appropriate appoint independent investigators
• Be prepared to communicate to all who are important to your school if necessary
• Be ready for media interest, and be prepared to issue relevant statements or media responses
• Provide support to any student affected by the behaviour
• Take the action that is expected by parents according to community standards