A deadly weapon combining a blade with metal knuckle-dusters, originally used in World War II, is among dozens of dangerous items West Australian students have brought onto school grounds.
Prohibited items were found on public school property 40 times in 2025, averaging one incident per school week, including blades, guns, and tasers.
One of the most alarming cases involved a knuckle knife, worn like a knuckle duster with a blade protruding from the side, brought into a school during term two. This weapon was primarily employed in World War II as a close-combat instrument for killing, especially in trenches.
The most common weapon confiscated was a flick knife or switchblade, with 11 incidents recorded.
Catapults were brought in eight times, including four instances in a single term, while tasers were found on school grounds five times. Various firearms also appeared, including airsoft guns and gel blasters—three cases each—and even a spud gun, used to launch potato fragments, was brought to a school.
Officials believe these incidents were not always intended as threats but sometimes involved students showing off to friends.
Department of Education acting deputy director general Sally Panizza said teachers and school leaders are trained to handle such situations.
“There is no excuse for bringing a weapon onto school grounds,” she said. “Any attempt by a student to bring a weapon onto school grounds with the intent to injure or cause fear is a serious breach of school discipline and will result in immediate suspension. It is important to note these are isolated occurrences involving a very small number of our more than 332,000 students. Principals contact WA Police immediately if a prohibited or controlled weapon is found on school grounds or during school activities.”
The figures are consistent with previous years: 42 incidents in 2024, 41 in 2023, 38 in 2022, and 48 in 2021. Although there was a slight decrease last year, Education Minister Sabine Winton said the issue remains a concern.
“It’s never acceptable to bring a weapon onto school grounds. Every incident is treated with the utmost seriousness. While it’s encouraging to see fewer incidents recorded last year, the State Government continues to work with schools to ensure all students and staff feel safe and supported at all times. Fortunately, the vast majority of more than 332,000 students attending WA public schools do the right thing,” she said.
Shadow education minister Liam Staltari said he has heard from teachers concerned about their safety.
“These numbers are deeply concerning and reflect the bad behaviour and violence gripping too many schools under this Government. There is absolutely no place for any weapons on school grounds. I hear regularly from teachers at their wits end dealing with disrespect, bad behaviour, and the threat of incidents like this. It’s time to act. The Government needs to back principals in immediately suspending these students and bolster diversion programs for at-risk students. Parents also have a crucial role in preventing these weapons from falling into their children’s hands,” he said.
