Student/learner discipline and bullying: a comparative analysis of legal risk management in schools in Australia and South Africa

Abstract

This article briefly discusses some legal determinants that influence education inAustralia and South Africa, respectively. It is evident that schools whose hierarchy members fail to take the necessary steps to ensure a non-threatening environment may be held liable if negligence can be proven. The focus is therefore on principles and procedures regarding the management of learner discipline, with specific reference to bullying. The article concludes with an analysis of qualitative data from a research project into learner discipline in Australia and South Africa, and a comparison of the  respective risk management strategies.