Scientists say schools "must close" in areas of ongoing community transmission to halt the spread of COVID-19.
In a new report by The Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), author Dr Zoe Hyde said complacency around the vulnerability of children to spread the virus "cannot continue".
"Schools must not remain open for face-to-face teaching in the setting of ongoing community transmission."
The report said children have the potential to be "substantial drivers" of the pandemic, due to their large number of close contacts in education centres.
"There is no reason to think that children are less likely to transmit the virus than adults," Dr Hyde wrote.
Even if the risk of community transmission is minimal, Dr Hyde suggests staff and students wear face masks, increase indoor ventilation, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces.
"Risk-reduction strategies must be implemented in schools as a matter of urgency."
The report said a link was found between a school cluster and major outbreak in Melbourne, prompting "dramatic measures" to stop the spread.
Dr Hyde concluded that to contain the virus, the role of children is vital.
"We can no longer afford to overlook the role children play in transmission if we hope to contain the virus."
Dr Hyde wrote that the current situation in Victoria should act as a warning to the rest of Australia.
Victoria reported 16 deaths and 279 new cases on Sunday, extending the region's state of emergency to September 13.
