NSW Education Department statistics published last week show that reportable safety and security incidents relating to violence, weapons, drugs, welfare concerns and misuse of technology in Wagga dropped nearly 33 per cent in 2017-18.

Only weapons-related incidents across Wagga schools rose in 2017-18.

Across the Riverina last year, there were three reported incidents involving knives. One student pulled a knife from a bag during a verbal altercation with two other students.

In another incident, staff had to confiscate a knife from a student who grabbed it from the staff kitchen after he was left alone in the principal's office following a physical altercation with another student.

Outside of the Riverina, an Albury student used a knife to threaten five other students in a bathroom during an excursion.

The schools took disciplinary actions and provided all students with counselling.

An education department spokesperson said violence and anti-social behaviour are not tolerated.

"Any student involved in violence, bringing a weapon or illegal drugs to school, or who engages in criminal behaviour at school is subject to the department's discipline policy and their parents or carers will be notified," the spokesperson said.

He said the department has various initiatives to support schools, including specialist advice, early intervention, management advice and additional welfare support where required.

"The department will continue to work closely with NSW Police, parents and other relevant agencies to ensure incidents are reported and appropriate action taken to support children in NSW public schools," he said.

Wagga man Martin Pollard, who has three school-aged daughters, said that while every school has incidents, he has not noticed any dramatic rise in safety issues.

"It's pretty stable, I guess every school has their own dramas with some students," Mr Pollard said.

"Every school has an element of behavioural issues, but the schools try to do the best with what they've got."

He said any incident involving weapons is not ideal.

"I wouldn't like my daughters be exposed to anything like that at school," he said.

"That'd be quite worrying and it would make me quite angry.

"Schools are still safe places, but there are isolated incidents where these things happen."

Mr Pollard, who was born and bred in Wagga, said he would like to see more resources to boost counselling and psychological support for students and teaching staff.

"I don't think they could increase the security of schools - metal detectors and things like that are a bit too far-fetched, but maybe kids having access to more mental health help would be a good idea," he said.

Statewide last year, welfare issues and violence rose compared with the previous two years.

John Pratt, organiser at NSW Teachers Federation Wagga, said the general downward trend in Wagga was welcomed.

"I'd like to think it's reflective of the hard work that is happening in these sorts of areas for students and teachers," Mr Pratt said.

"In terms of violence, we need to look at the broader context of our community.

"These statistics show that schools are still the safest place a student can be during their day.

"Having said that, there are very unequivocal processes in place for incidents of violence and we'll always recommend them."

Mr Pratt said that any incident involving weapons would be a frightening experience for anyone to face.

"Three [in the Riverina] is three too many," he said.

"We'd hope that all necessary steps including police involvement are taken in those instances."

He said he would like to see more resources directed to helping students' well-being.