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18 January 2006 - NASUWT Survey Reveals
Abuse of Teachers on Daily Basis
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The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women
Teachers (NASUWT) conducted a survey in the South West of England over a two
week period in November 2005, in order to assess the daily abuse, threats and
insults teachers have to endure in their workplace.
The following results of the survey, which asked 355 teachers to
record the level of verbal abuse they had to face on a daily basis, demonstrates
how teachers' health and safety are being jepordised during their working day:
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71% of recorded insults occurred in the classroom.
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1% occurred out-with school.
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13 incidents threatened violence.
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One abusive comment was: "I'm going to petrol-bomb your
car."
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A further abusive comment was: "I'm going to get my
brother to stab you in the face."
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The survey found the worst time for verbal abuse was just prior
to lunch break.
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The survey found the worst day of the week to be Monday.
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Swearing was most likely to be done by year 10's.
Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary, said:
"These snapshot regional surveys NASUWT is now using on a
regular basis are very revealing. They demonstrate that there is a great deal of
work still to be done to tackle the corrosive and debilitating effects on
teachers of verbal abuse.
"No one should have to face this on a daily basis. It is essential that the
health and welfare of staff is protected by a clear school policy of zero
tolerance of this type of behaviour."
Julian Chapman, Chair of NASUWT's South West Regional Executive
Committee, commented:
"What is clear is that some teachers clearly endure, day to
day, a torrent of foul language, personal abuse and obscenities which would not
be tolerated in any other profession.
"Sadly, we believe this survey is merely the tip of the iceberg, as many
teachers fail to report the daily abuse they have to endure."
Les Kennedy, NASUWT South West Regional Organiser, said:
"NASUWT will continue to offer strong support to members who
are victims of such abuse and urges them to come forward for assistance."
Stress in the workplace is a concern in 4 out of every 5 schools
in the UK and can lead to many related illnesses such as anxiety, depression,
heart disease etc.
Further information on the stress involved in teaching,
including a teacher support line can be accessed by clicking the following:
Work-related teacher stress, anxiety, depression, other health injury, stress
symptoms and help.
The Teacher Support Network website also has helpful information
for teachers at all levels and can be accessed by clicking the following:
Teacher Support Network
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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