Australia

Opt-in policy for special religious education implemented in VIC schools

The Age reports that, following a new ministerial directive, schools parents must now clearly 'opt-in' to allow their children to attend special religious classes. Amongst confusion about the implementation of the policy, public schools in Victoria will be ordered to make explanations if they stop offering special religious instruction.

Student sexual abuse incidents shows social media element

According to the NSW Department of Education and Communities, a third of incidents of student-on-student sexual abuse involved sexting or social media sites. The Daily Telegraph reports that there were 146 incidents of sexual abuse, many also involving criminal proceedings.

VIC Department of Education executives lack school experience

The Sydney Morning Herald has written that only 4 of 55 senior public servants in the VIC Department of Education have had experience running a school. It reports that school principals have stated that they 'are feeling overwhelmed by the decisions made by people who lack an understanding of the way schools operate'.

Australian students lack resiliency skills

A national study has suggested that students in Australia are not being equipped with the resiliency skills needed to succeed. The ABC has reported on the measures that some schools are taking to equip their students with resiliency skills, such as boxercise classes and mental health programs.

QLD parent faces criminal charges for absent daughter

A parent in QLD has been charged for failing to ensure the attendance of her child at school. According to the Courier Mail, the mother believes that her daughters's absences can be explained. The case will be heard at a later date.

International

Catholic schools force students to attend religious classes

A Catholic school in Canada is apparently defying a court order which states that they cannot force students to attend religious courses. The schools are, according to parents, not granting exceptions to attend religious classes, which are part of the normal class timetable. The Globe and Mail has the story.

NZ school will pay $18,000 to unfairly dismissed teacher

A school in New Zealand will pay $18,000 to a teacher who was unfairly dismissed, according to stuff.co.nz. The dismissal followed interpersonal issues with a colleague, and occurred after an extended leave of absence for a medical condition.

Self harm by children on the rise in the UK

Self-harm in students is 'surging', according to reports in the UK's Telegraph. It reports on rising hospital admission figures where, over the past two years, more than 2,700 children aged 10-14 were presenting with self harm injuries. Commentators have pointed to the pressures of social media, and a constantly connected world as factors in this rise.

UK Neuroscientist warns children against heading footballs.  

The Telegraph, in the UK, also reports that a leading neuroscientist has stated that children should not 'head the ball' when playing football. The expert cites the young age an immature brain development of children to support his recommendation. The recommendation comes in the context of rule debates about head injuries in sports.