Urgent call for action against teacher violence: VBE Solingen expresses concern over escalating violence against educators
In a recent survey conducted by FOSA, commissioned by the Association for Education and Education (VBE), there has been a concerning rise in incidents of violence in schools across the country.
The survey reveals that a significant number of schools are grappling with the problem of violence. Nearly one in ten school principals report that school authorities do not want to be informed about incidents of violence, which is a troubling finding.
The survey also indicates that physical violence in schools is predominantly perpetrated by students, with 97% of such incidents attributed to them. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to address student behaviour and promote a safe learning environment.
However, the issue is not limited to physical violence. The survey also highlights the prevalence of psychological violence against teachers, with 82% of the direct psychological violence primarily affecting teachers due to parents. Furthermore, 70% of the direct psychological violence is also perpetrated by students, demonstrating the need for comprehensive measures to tackle this issue.
Cyberbullying is another concern, with 36% of school principals reporting that teachers have become victims of this insidious form of bullying. Interestingly, the survey did not provide specific information about the main perpetrators of physical, psychological, and cyberbullying violence against teachers. However, surveys such as FOSA often find that students are the primary perpetrators, with colleagues and parents also occasionally involved, especially in forms of psychological or cyberbullying.
Unrepentant perpetrators and uncooperative parents are identified as problems in dealing with incidents of violence. The survey also suggests that bureaucratic hurdles make it difficult for schools to respond appropriately to incidents of violence.
In response to these findings, Jens Merten, a prominent education advocate, has called for comprehensive protection of every school, regardless of municipal financial weakness. He emphasises the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of teachers and students, and the need for immediate action to address the rising concerns of violence in schools.
As the education sector continues to grapple with these challenges, it is essential that all stakeholders - schools, parents, and the government - work together to create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all.
1) In the wake of the concerning rise in incidents of violence in schools, there's an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to education-and-self-development that addresses the issue, including the establishment of strategies to modify student behavior and promote a safe general-news environment.
2) As cyberbullying, physical violence, and psychological violence against teachers persist, crime-and-justice measures should be instituted not only for unrepentant perpetrators but also for uncooperative parents, and the government should partner with schools and parents to break down bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring immediate action and a more collaborative response to incidents of violence.
