Six-year-old takes knife to school

Authorities are investigating a case in which a six-year-old boy brought a knife to a Gold Coast school.

The kitchen knife was found in the school bag of a Year One student by a teacher at Southport State School on Tuesday.

The boy had allegedly threatened to stab another student, ABC Radio reports.

Gold Coast region's executive director of schools Richard English said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being investigated.

"I understand a knife was found in a student's bag and that the knife was removed immediately by the teacher, and that there was no harm at any time in relation to the other students," Mr English told ABC Radio.

He said there could be "a whole variety of reasons" why the knife had been brought to school.

Mr English said the school was investigating the history of the student and another boy, who was allegedly threatened.

The child was at home on a voluntary basis while the investigation was conducted, he said.

"We really need to be thorough in making sure that we've got all of the facts absolutely crystal clear before we go too much further," he said.

"... When we know exactly what is behind all of this ... an appropriate support and counselling and ongoing program (will be tailored) for these children."

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said police were investigating the incident.

He said police provided behavioural counselling in the form of a caution and spoke with parents when a crime was committed by a young child.

"Up until the age of 10, no child is criminally responsible for what they do but we can provide that counselling," Mr Atkinson told ABC Radio.

Comment is being sought from Education Minister Geoff Wilson.