Rising Concerns Over School Violence and Delinquency
A recent survey conducted by the primary school teachers’ union Poed has revealed alarming trends in school violence and delinquency. The findings, shared with the public on Thursday, indicate that 95 percent of the 1,017 teachers who participated reported an increase in such incidents.
“The results confirm the worrying scale that school violence and delinquency have reached,” said Poed in a statement. The union emphasized that the rise in violent and delinquent behavior is one of the most serious challenges facing public schools today.
According to the survey, 55 percent of teachers do not always feel safe at work, while 53 percent believe that school is not always a safe environment for children. Despite some preventive measures and management tools being introduced, Poed stressed that these efforts are insufficient.
“Children remain without support for long periods, the quality of education is undermined, and teachers are called upon daily to manage such incidents without substantial or timely support, leading to burnout,” the union stated.
Types of Violent Behavior Reported
The survey identified various forms of student behavior, with verbal violence being the most common. Sixty-three percent of teachers reported experiencing verbal violence, followed by physical violence at 59 percent, vandalism at 31 percent, and online violence at 13 percent.
Additionally, the survey highlighted concerning levels of violence directed at teachers. Approximately 29 percent of teachers reported inappropriate behavior by students, 12 percent reported threats of physical violence, and 9 percent reported actual physical violence against them.
Calls for Government Action
Poed has urged the government to take responsibility and invest in “targeted policies and substantive measures” to support public schools. The union stressed that the issue cannot be addressed through piecemeal interventions.
“The effective prevention and management of this phenomenon requires a holistic and systematic approach, with timely and substantial intervention by all relevant services,” it said.
Eight Pillar Proposal
To address these challenges, Poed presented an eight-pillar proposal aimed at improving school environments and operations. Key components include:
- Upgrading school environments and operations
- Promoting social and emotional skills among students
- Providing targeted support for vulnerable students
- Modernizing legislation related to school safety
- Strengthening support structures for both students and teachers
- Enhancing cooperation mechanisms between schools and other institutions
- Investing in teacher training and professional development
The union also called for measures to reinforce the status of teachers, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
A Call for Change
“Every child has the right to quality education in a safe environment that respects their needs and particularities. Every teacher has the right to work in conditions that allow them to teach and inspire,” concluded Poed.
