Over 8,000 Teachers Report Exposure to Violence in Schools
In a startling revelation, more than 8,000 primary school teachers have reported experiencing physical violence in the past year. This alarming statistic emerges from a comprehensive analysis of workplace assessments—known as APVs—from over 700 primary schools, according to Berlingske.
On average, this indicates that at least 11 teachers per school have faced violent incidents during the academic year. Interestingly, such counts have not been previously conducted using APV data, leaving us unable to ascertain whether the number of affected educators is rising or falling.
Gordon Ørskov Madsen, Chairman of the Danish Teachers’ Association, characterized these figures as “troubling,” asserting they reveal “a violent and increasingly troubling environment in our schools.”
Education Minister Mattias Tesfaye echoed these concerns, noting that violence against teachers is a significant factor driving educators to leave the profession. He emphasized the necessity for schools to have “tools” and effective leadership capable of expelling students when situations become intolerably violent.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also weighed in, announcing that the government will empower school principals to expel violent students from seventh, eighth, and ninth grades. Initially, these expulsions will be temporary, allowing disruptive students to be transferred to alternative settings, typically junior high schools, for up to 50 days.
Frederiksen specified that this measure is aimed at students engaging in criminal behavior, premeditated violence, or serious vandalism. She voiced a critical sentiment: without a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and crime in schools, societal cohesion risks fraying.
This growing crisis begs for immediate attention and action, as educators seek a safer and more supportive environment for teaching and learning.
