What is considered challenging behaviour?

Challenging behaviour includes actions that may cause harm to the child or others. For example:

• verbal aggression or shouting
• making threats
• spitting
• biting
• kicking
• hitting or punching
• fighting
• throwing furniture or objects
• damaging property, or
• behaviour that makes others feel unsafe

These behaviours can be distressing for other students, parents and carers, and teachers. They can also be very distressing for the child showing the behaviour and their family.

Children don’t show challenging behaviour without a reason. It is often a sign that they need more support. Schools are trained to work with students and families to understand behaviour and provide the right support.

Things you can do at home

Talk with your child each day about school. This helps you understand what they are learning, what went well and what was challenging. Ask open questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was anything tricky today?” Let your child know they can always talk to you about any problems.

If your child seems to be struggling at school, it could be linked to their health or wellbeing. You can speak with your doctor or contact Headspace for support.

Remember, you can contact your child’s school at any time if you have questions or concerns about their behaviour or wellbeing.

Work with your child’s school

You can talk to your child’s teacher, year advisor or wellbeing staff if you have concerns about your child’s behaviour, or the behaviour of others.

If your child needs extra support, the school may suggest individual learning and support planning. Planning is developed together with you and outlines how the school, your child and your family can work together to help your child succeed.

Planning may also suggest support from outside services, such as health or therapy providers. These services are usually arranged outside of school, but schools can help connect you with the right supports.

If your child has a medical condition, mental health concern, or disability, sharing this information with the school is strongly encouraged to help staff provide appropriate support. Please discuss any your child’s needs with school staff—they are here to support you and your child. All information provided is confidential.

The school may ask for your permission to speak with your child’s doctor or other professionals to better support your child.

Students with disability

We are committed to making sure all students feel included and can take part in school life.

Some students with disability may behave in ways that others don’t always understand. If your child has disability, stay in contact with the school’s learning and support team. They can help make sure your child is getting the right support for their learning and wellbeing.

Learn more

You can find more information about support for students on the Inclusive Learning Support page.

Some students may be eligible for support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). You can contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Access information and resources

Anti-bullying

You can find helpful information about bullying on the Anti-bullying for parents and carers page. This includes:

• what bullying is

• what to do if your child is being bullied

• what to do if your child is bullying others

• what to do if your child sees bullying

• online safety

• building coping skills and resilience.

Wellbeing

Explore resources to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing for both primary and high school students.

Pathways after school

Find information to help your child plan for life after school, including:

• further study options

• career ideas

• pathways for Years 10, 11 and 12.

Get help

If you feel you need more support and advice tailored to parents, contact Parentline or visit the What support is available to parents and carers? webpage.

Need language support?

If you need help communicating in English, you can use the Telephone Interpreter Service.

Call 131 450, tell them the language you need and ask them to contact your child’s school. An interpreter will join the call to help with the conversation.

This service is free.