Teachers suffering broken bones as a result of rising pupil violence, says union

A teaching union says some teachers are suffering from broken bones and ending up in hospital as a result of increasing levels of violence at work.

Assistant secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), David Besley, said teachers are also suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to violence incidents in their schools.

A report from the union warned pupil violence has risen in the last four years with 82.7% of schools reporting violent or aggressive incidents each week.

It comes after three teachers spoke to the BBC anonymously about concerns around pupil attacks.

Kicking, punching biting and spitting

In a survey carried out by the union in Aberdeen during the first five weeks of the 2023/2024 academic year, 38% of members reported being physically assaulted by pupils.

The report also states the primary forms of physical assault reported by teachers include pushing and shoving (60.98%) and being struck with objects (50.98%).

Other reports included kicking, punching, biting and spitting.

Joint secretary of EIS Aberdeen branch, Ron Constable, is now calling for the city council to take action on the matter.

Mr Constable said: "From our survey, we have a pregnant collegue - 5 months pregnant - who was kicked in the stomach.

"Luckily - thankfully - there was no consequences from it. We have people who end up in A&E with concussion.

"We have recently had a colleague in an academy who was battered unconscious by a child."

"You have to take into account the stress that occurs through these incidents. So it might not present right away, but if you're in a room with a child who you know has the possibility of acting out and causing violent behaviour, then that is going to take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing."

"Misbehaviour is not acceptable"

Aberdeen City Council education convener Martin Greig said the committee is taking action to prevent incidents from happening in schools.

Cllr Greig said: "I know that there is misbehaviour in more or less every school setting. It's a problem that has existed for many years and I am pleased that the education committee agreed to my proposal that we bring a report back to the next committee on misbehaviour and violence in school settings in the city.

"I think we need to get a better understanding, gather some information about what the situation is.

"Misbehaviour is not acceptable in a school setting. Whatever the degree of severity, whoever it's between - whether it's physical or mental.

"A significant amount of work has gone into ensuring that all school settings are as safe and peaceful as possible. We all share a responsibility for looking after a learning environment, for looking after the young people - staff, visitors.

"We all need to work together on this. I am very clear on that. That's why I have proposed - and I am glad that we have agreed to tackle this problem together."