The education system in Scotland is facing a severe educator mental health crisis as violence in schools escalates. New research reveals that over the past three years, educators have taken a staggering 400,000 days off work due to stress and anxiety.
This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for effective measures to address both student behaviour and teacher well-being.
School Violence in Scotland:
A Response to the Crisis in Educator Mental Health
Schools in Scotland are increasingly plagued by severe violence and disruptive students behaviour. This growing issue has led to a significant educator mental health crisis among educators, with many feeling overwhelmed and unsupported in their roles.
The rising number of violent incidents in schools is not only alarming but also indicative of deeper systemic issues that need urgent attention.
The teacher mental health crisis is deepening as these incidents continue to rise.
There has been a chilling spate of violent incidents in schools across the country, and there is nothing but alarming signs that all is not well, and maybe we should pay more attention.
Alarming Stats about Violence Among Schools in Scotland
The latest statistics will make grim reading for anyone concerned about the current situation in Scottish schools.
Teachers have taken 400,000 days lost to stress and anxiety over the past three years. The figure strongly indicates how heavy the burden and work continue to be for educators in providing a secure learning environment.
This contributes significantly to the educator’s mental health crisis.
Effects of Violence on Teachers in Scottish Schools
Teachers, particularly primary school teachers, have been the most brutally hit, with a single teacher missing 148 work days. Secondary teachers must catch up, with necessary absences massively demonstrating our shared problem.
These absences interrupt the teaching and learning process and create a more significant workload for the rest of their colleagues, exacerbating matters further.
Violence and Assaults in Scottish Schools
With 60 incidents of teachers being assaulted by students in just three months, a recent report published in The Scottish Mail on Sunday revealed the extent to which some were willing to go.
Over a 48-hour window, this translates to an assault every four minutes- highlighting the urgent need for prevention efforts.
Microsoft data indicates that colleges faced more than 16,000 attacks last academic year, which has tripled over the past three years.
Probationer Teachers Quitting Due to School Violence
The Education Service of Scotland told Holyrood magazine that they quit the profession early because they were worried about increasing violence.
The loss of a new generation is especially alarming as it endangers the system for everyone after them.
One of the most common complaints from experienced teachers is that senior leadership teams often underestimate how violent and severe incidents are.
So many have become disillusioned and frustrated with a perceived lack of discipline within their schools.
Political Bickering over School Violence Control in Scottish Schools
Political criticism of the Scottish National Party (SNP) is rife over this judgment regarding what should be done. Critical critics say this is evidence of the government being too soft and helps explain why we are having a crisis now.
Tory MSP Maurice Golden has claimed that teachers struggle to cope with misbehaviour and indiscipline in school, insisting they need more support to
““take control of their classrooms.”“.
Tory MSP Maurice Golden
Restorative Practices in Response to School Violence
Despite the challenges, there has been a move towards non-punitive approaches to student behaviour, such as restorative practices.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has backed such an approach, saying it was crucial that students can build relationships and feel they are in a supportive school.
But Tom Bennett, who works with the government as one of its “behaviour tsars”, has warned that scrapping traditional forms of discipline could have a damaging impact leading to even more chaos.
Horrifying Statistics Reveal School Violence in Scottish Schools
Teachers faced 16,245 attacks throughout 2023-24—equivalent to more than 85 occurrences daily. More than 12,000 were in primary schools, with secondary schools and unique support settings recording thousands.
If it affects two-thirds of the population, it reminds us how common this problem is, and with those kinds of numbers, we understand why a significant change has to be made immediately.
Mental Health Crisis Among Educators Due to School Violence
Teachers are calling in sick due to stress at an alarming rate. The trend illustrates a more significant problem in the education sector.
Officials said staff have taken nearly 2,000 days to teach since the beginning of the year, which has enormously impacted schools.
Since too many students are staying home, the quality of their education is diminished by a loss in momentum, grossly increasing the workload for substitute teachers and remaining staff.
The long-term effects of these absences are wide-ranging. Interruptions in the continuity of education are another challenge students face that can hamper their academic growth.
When schools have to rely on less qualified substitute teachers or push existing staff beyond their limits to fill the gaps, the quality of education needs to improve.
Teacher Survey Results
A survey by NASUWT Scotland has revealed that 93% of teachers have been the victim of violent and abusive behaviour from students.
Many 75% said it has made the job more stressful, with one in five claiming to feel depressed.
These results indicate urgent action must be taken to help teachers and create a safe, respectful educational climate.hours to ask questions of the two sides.
Scottish Government Action on School Violence
The Scottish Government said it was aware of the problem and that violence teachers faced “is completely unacceptable”.
Not only are futile attempts being made to support staff, but the root of the issue needs tackling – and both teachers (and students) need protection from this kind of abuse.
This has led to criticism that the SNP are too soft regarding school discipline, and critics argue this is a significant cause of the crisis. Tory MSP Maurice Golden said:
““ No wonder teachers are struggling to keep going.”“.
Tory MSP Maurice Golden
Things would improve significantly if our teachers were efficiently provided for and fully supported in addressing disobedience and disorder.
Conclusions
The severe problem of violence in Scottish schools and related teacher mental health crises have multifaceted dimensions. Restorative practices and supportive measures are essential, as is a vital discipline response to keep every member of the school community safe.
It will only be through a concerted effort that we can rebuild an enabling learning environment and continue to help those committed educators who lie at the very heart of our education system.
