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Behaviour: No teacher should have to face abuse from pupils

Behaviour
With 90% of teachers reporting verbal abuse or violence from pupils, Dr Patrick Roach calls on ministers to act to address the real issues affecting children's health and wellbeing
Image: Adobe Stock -

If it is said that the wheels are coming off in government, it must also be said that it is teachers who are bearing the brunt of 13 years of government neglect as a result of a careening behaviour crisis threatening to engulf our schools.

Thousands of NASUWT members responded to our recent Behaviour in Schools survey (NASUWT, 2023a). A staggering 90% had experienced verbal abuse or violence from pupils, including being sworn at, kicked, shoved, or headbutted.

One in 10 of these respondents described receiving physical or verbal abuse on a weekly basis. The problem – according to the teachers – has got worse, damaging the health and wellbeing of dedicated professionals. It goes without saying that this situation cannot be allowed to continue.

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