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| abc.net.au |
New data from the Department of Education shows there were 200 more incidents in Hunter and Central Coast schools in 2016 than in 2015.
524 total issues were reported in our schools with violent incidents topping the list at 204.
Other incidents related to drugs, welfare and weapons.
There has also been a steady increase in student aggression towards teachers and principals.
NSW Secondary Principals' Association president Chris Presland said the recent spike in incidents can partly be explained by changed to reporting measures, which sees even minor incidents reported.
Mr Presland also said that schools remain the safest place in our community and believes the problem is more widespread.
"I think there is a broader societal issue and we all need to have a think about how we approach frustration and unfortunately there seems to be an increasing tendency for people to approach that in an aggressive matter and that's not ok."
Mr Presland assures that schools are dealing with the issue of violence to the best of their ability but are unfortunately facing a constant battle with what students are exposed to in the community.
