8. Behaviour incidents and emergencies
If there's a risk to safety
If a student's behaviour poses a risk to others or themselves:
- focus on protecting the safety of all students (including the student at risk of causing physical harm or danger to self or others), themselves and other staff
- follow response procedures set out in your school's emergency management plan
- call emergency services on 000 if necessary
- you must report the incident to Incident Support and Operations Centre (ISOC) – refer to Reporting and Managing School Incidents (including emergencies).
- refer to the Work-Related Violence in Schools Policy and Procedure to prevent, manage and respond to staff safety risks from student behaviours that are violent or aggressive.
If restraint or seclusion of a student is needed, you must follow the Restraint and Seclusion policy and guidance, including reporting to ISOC.
Security and response services
ISOC is available 24 hours by calling 1800 126 126.
They can assist with coordinating a response to emergencies and critical incidents.
Guidance officers, psychologists and social workers for emergency support are available through your closest regional .
Sexual assault by students
Learn how to report and respond to allegations of student sexual assault.
Online incidents
The following resources can assist in managing an online incident.
- Respond to online incidents of inappropriate behaviour by students – guidance for managing a student who has been exposed to, or engaged in, inappropriate behaviour
- Guide for removing inappropriate content from a website or social – offers advice where there have been personal attacks on a person or where a fake profile of a school is created
- Guide for department employees and teachers who are involved in an online incidents – legal and wellbeing support for staff who are the subject of online vilification
- Bully Stoppers for schools and cybersafety
Guidance chapter on managing behaviour incidents and emergencies
Reviewed 15 February 2024