A primary school student who allegedly tried to stab his teacher with a pencil will face disciplinary action but cannot be charged because he is under 10 years old.
Police say the boy became aggressive towards a female teacher at a school in Mullewa, in Western Australia's Mid West region, on Monday after being removed from a classroom for disruptive behaviour.
He allegedly punched the woman several times and tried to stab her in the leg with a pencil before being restrained.
Education Department director general Sharyn O'Neill says given there are more than 276,000 students in WA public schools, the number of serious incidents is relatively small.
"Any assault on a staff member is unacceptable and I expect the response to be strong and swift," she said on Tuesday.
"The violence, aggression and lack of personal control seen in communities on occasion makes its way into our playgrounds and classrooms. When it does, it is not be tolerated."
Principals can suspend or recommend the exclusion of a student with extreme or violent behaviour.
The Department will not comment on what disciplinary action will be taken against the boy.
In cases where anti-social students cannot be managed in their school, they can be referred to one of the Department's behaviour centres.
Students can also receive support from school psychologists and professional training is available to staff about the proper ways to restrain children in volatile situations.
"How children behave is an issue for the whole of the community," Ms O'Neill said.
"Schools rely on the support of parents and caregivers to minimise any anti-social behaviour by children."
