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Parents urge use of new powers as teens boast online and courts fail to deter
School violence is at the centre of a fresh push by Melbourne parents who want principals to use newly expanded powers to expel or suspend students for serious offending, even when it happens off campus. Families say attackers are brazenly posting footage and boasting online while the justice system too often fails to deliver a lasting response.
Two recent incidents have galvanised calls for action. In Clyde North last month, Michael Hogan’s son was assaulted by a group who kicked and punched him while he lay on the ground. 
In Pakenham, Tanisha Davilia’s son was attacked and had his clothes stolen outside a Big W store; witnesses described attackers wearing balaclavas in broad daylight. 
Parents want schools to step in where courts appear to be falling short, arguing expulsions and suspensions send a clear message that violent behaviour won’t be tolerated. They point to cases where charged youths are granted bail and return to the community quickly, leaving victims and families feeling unprotected.
“Nothing's happening in the courts, so I hope that at least the schools can start doing that.”
“They say they're all about the safety of the kids, but where's the safety when kids are getting beaten and intimidated?”
What changed and what it means
Earlier this year, Victoria brought in laws giving school principals broader discretion to suspend or expel students for violent conduct that occurs away from school grounds. The move aligns Victoria with other states and aims to close a gap where harmful behaviour escapes school discipline because it happened after hours or off campus. 
Despite the new powers, initial implementation appears limited: media reporting indicates just three students have been expelled in Victoria under the expanded regime so far. Parents say that pace is too slow and that schools must be more proactive. 
Online boasting and "post-and-boast" laws
Compounding concerns is the trend of violent teen groups sharing footage and taunting victims online. State law now includes “post-and-boast” offences that can attract extra penalties for anyone who shares violent content with the intent to glorify or incite harm.
However, neither Victoria Police nor the state government has publicly confirmed whether those new social-media provisions have been enforced in recent cases, leaving families unsure whether online behaviour will be punished. 
Where responsibility sits
The Department of Education says it is cooperating with police investigations and that principals have new tools to act. Still, parents argue the combined response needs to be faster and more visible to restore community confidence.
Police have laid charges in at least one case — a 16-year-old was charged after an attack — but families complain that being released on bail the same day undercuts the deterrent effect of criminal charges. 
Practical steps schools and authorities can take
- Use the new disciplinary powers promptly and transparently where evidence supports expulsions or suspensions.
- Work with police to ensure investigations into off-campus violence are prioritised and supported.
- Monitor and act on online posts that glorify or facilitate violence, using post-and-boast provisions where appropriate.
- Support victims with counselling, safety plans and clear communication about outcomes.
Community impact and next steps
Families say stronger school discipline, combined with effective policing of online content, would help deter attacks and reduce intimidation. The debate now focuses on faster enforcement, clearer school policies and whether expulsions will be used as a meaningful tool rather than a last resort.
How do the new Victorian school powers affect off-campus behaviour?
Principals can now suspend or expel students for violent conduct that occurs outside school grounds when that behaviour undermines the safety and wellbeing of the school community.
How many students have been expelled under the new rules so far?
Initial reports indicate a small number — media sources have reported that three students were expelled in Victoria after the new powers were introduced.
What are post-and-boast laws?
These provisions target people who share recordings or posts that glorify, incite or boast about violent acts. Convictions can carry extra penalties, including potential jail time, depending on the offence.
Are police enforcing the online sharing laws?
As of initial reporting, neither Victoria Police nor the state government has publicly confirmed specific enforcement actions under the post-and-boast provisions, though charges have been laid in related assault cases.
What can parents do if their child is a victim?
Report incidents to police and the school, keep evidence of online posts, seek medical and counselling support for the child, and press for clear communication from school and law enforcement about next steps.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Melbourne parents pleading for action on school violence | 7NEWS
