The Teaching council says changes to the law around physical restraint will create a 'climate of risk'

Changes to the Education and Training Bill were heard last night, with adjustments made over when it's acceptable for teachers to restrain a student.

Under the new Act, reasonable restraint can be used against a student's will to prevent harm, but only when no other options are available.

Board member and John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh says the changes were rushed, and don't go far enough to protect teachers, who are struggling with increasing violence in schools.

He says it's failed to strike a balance between student rights and the rights of teachers, who are acting in good faith to prevent harm.