Thousands of attacks on teachers
ALMOST 10,000 attacks on teachers have taken place in Scottish schools over the last three years, shocking new figures reveal.
Since 2014/15 there have been 9543 attacks on teachers nationwide but schools in Glasgow recorded the most assaults, a Freedom of Information probe by the Scottish Lib Dems has shown.
Schools in Scotland’s largest city have seen 1218 incidents so far this school year, accounting for half the attacks in the country in 2016/17.
On average there were 3.6 attacks per school since 2014/15. There were also 186 incidents which saw the police called to the scene or ended up in the matter going to court.
The Lib Dems said the figures represented a worrying trend but the Scottish Government said the majority of young people were well-behaved at school.
Scottish Lib Dem education spokesman Tavish Scott said: “It is utterly unacceptable for anyone to be assaulted when they are at work. It is no different for teachers, yet they have been the victim of attacks on almost 10,000 occasions since 2014/15.
“These are incredibly concerning figures. Teachers work day in, day out, to make sure our children are given every opportunity to achieve their potential and get on in life.
“Children and teachers must feel that their school is a safe place where they feel comfortable, confident and ready to learn.
“Violence, or even the fear of such disruption, can hold that back.
“The Scottish Government must set out how it will support local authorities and schools in tackling this problem and reversing this worrying trend.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said officials were working to better protect teachers, adding: “The vast majority of pupils in our schools are well-behaved and a credit to Scotland.
“However, any attack on a teacher is one too many and the Scottish Government is committed to working with our partners to continue to improve relationships and behaviour in
schools.”