There's been a disturbing rise in playground violence at Hunter and Central Coast Schools, prompting a call for more support for teachers and principals.
There were 288 reported incidents last year - an increase of 74 per cent since 2012.
Students filming fights, sexting, threatening and violent behaviour towards teachers, as well as students bringing knives and drugs to school are all of particular concern.
Shadow Education Minister, RYAN PARK says students are coming to school with much more complex emotional and behavioural problems compared to a decade or two ago.
He believes there's a need for more specially trained counsellors and support staff, while teachers also need to be better equipped to handle difficult students.
