New rules for schools on searching pupils for suspect material cover written and electronic material, including diaries, mobile phones and laptops.
The Ministry of Education has released guidelines developed over more than a year.
Schools asked for the rules due to confusion over how far they can go in searching pupils and seizing property.
The guidelines say there have to be strong grounds to believe a pupil has a given item, consideration of whether the search is appropriate and if one can be conducted in a safe and sensitive manner.
They clarify that searches can cover written and electronic material, including diaries, mobile phones or laptops.
The guidelines state parents or caregivers should be informed after a search has been conducted - except in exceptional circumstances.
