Australia

NSW police criticised for sniffer dogs near high school

A police operation near high schools on the NSW north coast has inflamed a local lawyer, who has questioned the police tactics of using sniffer dogs and targeting schools. The local police make no apologies, and have framed the actions as harm minimisation, in comments picked up by ABC News.

Parent sues school after falling tree branch renders him paraplegic

In SA, a parent who was rendered paraplegic after a tree branch fell on him on school grounds while he was watching a sports day is suing the school for negligence. He claims that the school ignored two arborist reports to remove the tree. The school denies that the tree was identified as being an immediate risk to safety. The matter, in the District Court, will be heard in February 2015, according to ABC News.

Students risk failure over HSC Facebook group

The Daily Telegraph has reported on a Facebook group being used by HSC students to share notes, essays and exams. It states that some students are using the group as short-cut for studying. The Board of Studies has warned of the risk of plagiarism, and the possibility of failing the HSC.

VIC government proposes increased penalties for unattended children

In VIC, the government has proposed increasing the penalties for parents who leave children unattended, doubling the jail sentence to 6 months and increasing the fine to $3690. The Age raises the concerns and arguments held by many about the tensions between the controls of a nanny state and granting children independence.

VIC school reviews policy after medication given to wrong student

A school in VIC will now use blister packs with photos of students to administer medication, following an incident in which a child was given the wrong medication. The Herald Sun reports on the increasing number of medications that are being given to children, and the increased responsibility on teachers and schools. An increased number of allergies and behavioural disorders is blamed for the trend.

International

US school refuses admission of transgender student

A school in the US is being criticised for refusing to accommodate a transgender student who has returned to the school as a girl. The school has cited legal difficulties with its obligations, but experts have pointed out that it may be in violation of anti-discrimination laws. The story is reported by USA Today.

US footballer dies on school camp after falling ill

A US high school football player has died whilst on a school camp. The student fell ill and officials became concerned that he was having a heat-related episode. According to News4Jax, rescue personnel attempted CPR on the 14 year old boy, but he could not be revived.

Teen in the US charged for distributing offensive material on Instagram

A US 17 year old has been charged with distribution and possession of offensive material depicting children after allegedly posting photos of his underaged peers on Instagram. ABC7 reports that the photos were either selfies or consensual photos. In this case, the child will be dealt with as a juvenile.

NZ introduces child sex offenders register

NZ has begun work on a new child sex offenders register which will allow authorities to identify, monitor and manage the risk of sexual offenders after they have been released from custody. TVNZ writes that the register will allow government agencies and other authorities to track child sex offenders.

Study finds hand sanitiser does not reduce sick days

Also in NZ, a study has found that giving out hand sanitiser did not reduce the amount of sick days taken for specific illnesses such as gastroenteritis or colds. Business Insider reports that the study was conducted under the auspices of the University of Otago, and will be published in PLOS Medicine.

17 year old US footballer died of water intoxication

A 17 year old football player in the US has died from water intoxication. The Daily Mail reports that the student drank four gallons (15 litres) of water in the false belief that this would prevent the cramps he was experiencing. The school is providing grief counselling for students at the school.