Teachers given ‘dog’s abuse’ by parents in period schools closed

Union says figures reported likely to be ‘tip of iceberg’

Teachersworkingunderunprecedented pressure during lockdown were subject to abuse from parents.

Across Tayside and Fife there were 23 reported incidents of written or verbal abuse of school staff by adults outwith school in the period schools were closed.

A union representative said the figure was likely to be the “tip of the iceberg” .

In Fife, which has the most teachers, 14 incidents were reported. In Dundee there were eight and one in Angus. None were reported in Perth and Kinross.

The issue was highlighted to Education Secretary John Swinney in a letter before the summer holidays from the AHDS senior teachers’ union.

It quoted a member who had “never fended off parental attacks as I have in the last few days” and said some were so serious they should have been reported to the police.

The number of reports made by staff to bosses was obtained through

Freedom of Information requests made by The Courier to local authorities.

Educational Institute of Scotland Fife spokesman David Farmer said he was aware of teachers who had received “dog’s abuse” from parents as they worked from home. He said: “In the circumstances of teachers making a real effort it’s sad that people have decided to give these people a hard time.”

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Any incidents are always treated extremely seriously and we are investigating the circumstances around what happened on these occasions.”

A report to the children and families services committee on Monday will outline the efforts during this “extremely challenging period”.

Fife Council education officer Gordon Wardrope said: “We treat any incidents involving any of our staff seriously. By working closely with trade unions and other professional bodies we’ve mechanisms in place to reduce incidents and where necessary, support any member of our staff who may be affected.”

An Angus Council spokesman said: “AngusCouncildoesnottolerateabuseof its staff in whatever form it takes. There are procedures in place to allow staff to report these matters whether internally or, where appropriate, to the police.”

It’s sad that people have decided to give these people a hard time. DAVID FARMER