VIOLENCE IN CLASS
Epidemic of attacks and abuse in schools leaves teachers struggling to teach pupils
STRESSED out teachers have said they’re struggling to educate pupils due to increasing levels of violence in schools.
The staff, who say they feel as though they are “walking on eggshells”, spoke out as part of the Daily Record’s Our Kids... Our Future campaign.
The eIS, Scotland’s largest teaching union, says the matter is becoming a war on two fronts as teachers try to deal with the impact of on youths amid cuts to resources.
In Fife, where violence has doubled in the past two years, staff said attacks on pupils were preventing them from doing their jobs.
It comes after we reported on a series of sickening attacks in schools in the region – including an assault at Anstruther’s Waid Academy in January on a girl who was dragged from her chair and kicked in the face in class.
Last month, we told how five teenagers were charged with attempted murder after a boy was attacked in a Glenrothes park. earlier this month, we also reported that another pupil was allegedly
kicked unconscious outside Kirkcaldy High School as an adult woman stood by and “cheered her attacker on”.
One teacher, who wished not to be named amid fears they could lose their job, said: “We’re struggling to maintain academic standards and provide effective education in the face of violence.
“Teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to manage disruptive behaviour, which is having a negative impact on our mental health.” A principal teacher, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: “There is a lot of aggression. I feel like I’m walking on eggshells. Many pupils argue about everything and often this is aggressive.”
Another teacher added: “It’s common for pupils to abuse a teacher and carry on going to their classes for the rest of the day. It’s disheartening for staff who are doing their best. Punishment has become a dirty word for school managers. Unless pupils know there is a consequence for their actions, nothing will change.” The EIS said it had been aware and concerned about the matter in Fife for “some time”.
EIS Fife’s Graeme Keir said: “We’ve got staff experiencing violent incidents every day in some schools. The council has a duty of care for employees and to provide a safe environment for learners but have been slow to react. Teachers have been doing an extraordinary job during difficult circumstances – the pandemic, impact of social media and a mental health crisis – while staffing and resources are being cut. “We urgently need more support staff and resources to help.”
MSP Alex Rowley said: “Teachers have all raised the levels of behavioural issues and violence in schools are at unprecedented levels and they need more support. There is also a view that management in Fife are in denial and teachers feel they’re trying to do their jobs but are being distracted by behavioural issues in the classroom with little support.
“I’ve written to the director of education raising these issues.”
Fife Council said: “We know teachers across Scotland are concerned about violent incidents in schools and it’s something we’re taking very seriously.
“Our focus is to work with school communities, unions and families to promote positive behaviour and de-escalate situations. We give targeted support to schools where it’s needed.”
Pupils abuse a teacher and carry on to classes
TEACHER ON BEING A VICTIM OF AGGRESSION