More than a quarter of education staff in Northern Ireland have been physically assaulted by pupils, a union claimed today.
Over a third were confronted by an aggressive parent or guardian, the survey for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) said.
Cases of pushing and shoving, punching and kicking were all recorded, and some teachers suffered mental health problems and lost confidence as a result of abuse from children.
ATL branch president in Northern Ireland Andy Brown said: “It is totally unacceptable that poor pupil behaviour continues to be such a widespread problem in schools and colleges, and shocking that over a third of staff have experienced aggression from students’ parents or guardians.
“Staff should not be subjected to violent behaviour by either students or parents. Parents should be acting as good role models by supporting staff and helping them create a more positive learning environment for their children.”
The survey questioned over 1,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff and school leaders in schools and colleges about behaviour issues in the classroom.
Over 50 per cent of staff reported verbal attacks, and nearly 40 per cent intimidation. Over 650 reported physical aggression including pushing and shoving (83 per cent), the use of fists (48 per cent), or legs (42 per cent).
Incidents of physical attacks were far more prevalent in primary schools with 48 per cent of staff reporting pupils being physically aggressive, compared with 20 per cent working at secondary level.
Some 64 staff said they had been physically harmed by a student, while over a fifth reported mental health problems and a third lost confidence at work.
Nearly 40 per cent of teachers considered leaving the profession due to poor behaviour by students.
Most of the physical aggression was directed at other pupils (87 per cent), although over a quarter of incidents were aimed at the respondent and a further 44 per cent were aimed at either another teacher or a member of support staff.
Forty-eight per cent of staff questioned believed that behaviour in the classroom became worse over the past two years, while 60 per cent believe it has worsened over the past five.
However, nearly 40 per cent were happy with how their school or college dealt with reported incidents and 45 per cent were partially happy. Nearly 90 per cent of staff said their school has a clear behaviour policy.
PA