Educational institutions across Australia rely on lanyards for staff identification, student access control, and visitor management. From primary schools with strict safeguarding requirements to universities with thousands of students, each educational setting has unique needs. This guide explores how to select and implement appropriate lanyard solutions for Australian schools, TAFEs, and universities.
Primary School Safety Alert
Staff working with young children in Australian primary schools and early childhood settings should always use breakaway lanyards. Children may grab at lanyards, creating strangulation risks for the wearer.
Understanding Educational Lanyard Requirements
Different educational settings have distinct requirements based on the age of students, security concerns, and operational needs. A primary school's approach will differ significantly from that of a university, yet both must prioritise safety while meeting their identification objectives.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Schools serving younger students face heightened duty of care obligations. Visitor identification is particularly critical—staff need to immediately identify anyone who isn't part of the school community. Lanyards for teachers and support staff should be clearly visible and distinguish school employees from visitors.
Many primary schools choose not to use lanyards for students due to playground safety concerns. Where student identification is required, alternatives like clip-on badge holders or card wallets may be more appropriate. For schools that do use student lanyards, breakaway mechanisms are essential to prevent injury during play and physical activities.
TAFE and Vocational Training
Technical and vocational settings often involve workshops, laboratories, and practical training environments. Lanyard selection must account for proximity to machinery and equipment. Breakaway mechanisms are important, and in some training areas, lanyards may need to be removed entirely near rotating equipment or heat sources.
Universities
University settings are more diverse, encompassing lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, student accommodation, and administrative offices. Staff identification requirements vary across these contexts. Retractable badge reels are particularly useful for staff who frequently scan access cards at building entries and secure areas.
Staff Lanyard Considerations
Staff lanyards serve as the primary identification tool in educational settings, enabling quick recognition of authorised personnel.
Essential Features for Teaching Staff
- Breakaway mechanism: Mandatory for staff working directly with students, especially younger children
- Clear badge visibility: Photo ID should be easily visible for security purposes
- Durable construction: Teachers are active; lanyards need to withstand daily wear
- Comfortable design: All-day wear requires comfortable, non-irritating materials
Colour-Coding Systems
Many schools implement colour-coded lanyard systems to provide instant visual identification of staff roles:
- Teachers: School colours or specific teaching department colours
- Administrative staff: Distinct colour from teaching staff
- Support staff: Unique colour for teacher aides and support personnel
- Leadership: May use premium lanyards or distinctive colours
- Visitors: Highly visible colour (often red or orange) that clearly identifies non-staff
Key Takeaway
Visitor lanyards should be immediately distinguishable from staff lanyards. Choose a bright, contrasting colour that cannot be confused with any staff category—this is a critical safeguarding measure.
Student Identification Options
Whether and how students wear lanyards depends on their age and the institution's requirements.
Primary School Students
Many primary schools avoid neck lanyards for young students due to safety concerns during play. Alternatives include:
- Clip-on badge holders attached to bags
- Wristband identification
- Card wallets carried in bags
- Photo ID cards kept by teachers for roll call
If lanyards are used for primary students, they should have ultra-reliable breakaway mechanisms and be removed during physical activities and play.
Secondary School Students
Secondary schools more commonly use student lanyards, particularly for access control purposes. Students at this age can understand and follow lanyard safety guidelines. Breakaway mechanisms remain important, especially for students participating in practical subjects like design and technology, science, or physical education.
Secondary School Implementation
Consider allowing students to choose from approved lanyard colours or designs. This small element of personalisation can improve compliance with ID card wearing requirements.
University and TAFE Students
Tertiary students typically carry ID cards in wallets rather than wearing lanyards continuously. However, lanyards may be required for:
- Access to specific facilities (laboratories, studios, gyms)
- During examinations for identity verification
- Orientation week and major events
- Students on practical placements representing the institution
Visitor Management
Visitor lanyard systems are crucial for safeguarding in educational environments.
Visitor Lanyard Requirements
- High visibility: Visitors should be immediately identifiable from a distance
- Clear labelling: "VISITOR" text prominently displayed
- Easy issue and return: Simple system for reception staff to manage
- Numbered or logged: Track visitor lanyards for accountability
Contractor and Volunteer Considerations
Regular contractors and volunteers may require different identification than casual visitors. Consider creating separate lanyard categories for:
- Approved contractors with current Working with Children checks
- Regular volunteers (e.g., reading support, canteen helpers)
- Student teachers on placement
- External service providers (IT support, maintenance)
Practical Implementation Tips
Successful lanyard programs in schools require thoughtful implementation and ongoing management.
Policy Development
Your school's lanyard policy should address:
- When and where lanyards must be worn
- Situations where lanyards should be removed (PE, science practicals, etc.)
- Consequences for not wearing required identification
- Procedures for lost or damaged lanyards
- Visitor registration and lanyard issue procedures
- End-of-year collection and redistribution processes
Budget Considerations
Educational institutions often operate under tight budgets. Consider these cost-saving strategies:
- Order in bulk at the start of each school year
- Collect and redistribute reusable lanyards from departing staff/students
- Use generic lanyards for visitors rather than custom printed
- Choose durable products that won't need frequent replacement
- Consider multi-year contracts with suppliers for better pricing
Working with Children Checks
Lanyard colour-coding doesn't replace proper background screening. All staff and regular volunteers in Australian educational settings must hold appropriate Working with Children checks (or equivalent state-based clearances).
Special Considerations
Students with Disabilities
Some students may find standard lanyards uncomfortable or may have conditions that make wearing neck items inappropriate. Be prepared to offer alternatives such as retractable belt clips, wristband holders, or exemptions with alternative identification arrangements.
Science and Technology Departments
Laboratories and workshops present specific hazards. Establish clear protocols for lanyard use in these environments—typically requiring removal near Bunsen burners, machinery, and chemical handling. Consider providing secure storage for lanyards at classroom entry points.
Physical Education
Lanyards should never be worn during PE classes, sporting activities, or playground time. Establish clear expectations and provide storage solutions so students and staff can safely store lanyards during physical activities.
Choosing a Supplier
When selecting a lanyard supplier for your educational institution, consider:
- Experience supplying educational institutions
- Range of breakaway options with appropriate release forces
- Ability to supply matching products across all categories (staff, student, visitor)
- Competitive bulk pricing for school volumes
- Reasonable lead times that work with school calendar planning
- Responsive customer service for reorders and issues
Conclusion
Lanyards play an important role in educational identification and safeguarding systems. By prioritising safety features like breakaway mechanisms, implementing clear colour-coding, and developing comprehensive policies, schools and universities can maintain effective identification systems that protect their communities.
Remember that the safety of students and staff must always take precedence over convenience. Invest in quality breakaway products, train staff on proper use, and regularly review your lanyard policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose in your evolving educational environment.