Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Violence and harassment

The different forms of violence and harassment in and around educational institutions pose serious threats to the well-being of teachers and education support personnel, particularly among marginalised and vulnerable groups. The increasing incidence of targeted attacks and aggressive behaviour directed at educators contributes to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress. These psychological impacts can significantly impair mental health and professional performance. Furthermore, the physical consequences of violent incidents, ranging from injuries to chronic stress-related conditions, can also compromise physical health.

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Topics: Violence and harassment
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Respecting our staff

The campaign by the Ministry of Education Singapore and the Singapore Teachers' Union (STU) emphasizes mutual respect between educators and the community. It affirms the professionalism and integrity of teaching staff, and outlines clear steps for addressing unreasonable behavior, harassment, or abuse. The document encourages individuals to raise concerns with school leaders, contact STU for support, or reach out to authorities if safety is compromised.

Preventing sexism & sexual harassment

Toolkits

The toolkit offers a comprehensive, whole-school approach to tackling gender-based discrimination and abuse. It provides practical guidance across five key themes, leadership, staff, students, curriculum, and community, and five threads including inclusion, interpersonal dynamics, and imagery. Designed to be flexible and adaptable, the toolkit encourages collective reflection and long-term cultural change. It includes resources such as videos, posters, PowerPoint presentations, and model policy clauses to support staff in creating safer, more respectful school environments.

The silent struggle: When teachers become the target

Research

The research explores the growing issue of violence against teachers in schools. It challenges the notion that stricter discipline, such as the revival of corporal punishment, would resolve classroom disorder. Instead, the article argues that the root causes lie in deeper systemic issues within school environments. Drawing on data and expert insights, it highlights how inadequate support, deteriorating conditions, and policy gaps contribute to the vulnerability of educators, urging a reevaluation of how schools address safety and discipline.

Social media and online abuse of teachers

Guides

The NASUWT guide on social media and online abuse of teachers provides crucial advice for schools and colleges on protecting staff from cyber harassment and abuse. It outlines the types of online abuse teachers may face, such as trolling, online threats, and cyberstalking, and emphasizes the importance of implementing robust behaviour policies and conducting risk assessments. The guide also highlights the severe impact of online abuse on teachers' mental health and wellbeing, and stresses the need for schools to take proactive measures to ensure a safe and supportive working environment.

Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Right to disconnect and technology Safety Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Why Latin American teachers are fleeing the classrooms

Opinion/commentary

The video addresses the causes of chronic exhaustion affecting teachers in the region: administrative overload, precarious salary conditions, lack of resources, school violence, external pressures, among others. Through testimonies from teachers in different countries, interviews with specialists, and data reflecting the magnitude of the problem, it explores how this phenomenon not only jeopardizes the quality of education but also the sustainability of the educational system.

Teachers at the limit: The most mistreated profession in Latin America

Opinion/commentary

The article is based on the documentary of the Deutsche Welle (DW), "Why Latin American Teachers Are Fleeing the Classrooms." It discusses the severe challenges faced by teachers in Latin America, including physical and verbal aggression, chronic stress, and lack of family support. It highlights the increasing teacher attrition rates due to these issues, exacerbated by overcrowded classrooms and insufficient salaries. The article emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to support teachers, such as better working conditions, emotional training, and stronger collaboration between families and schools. The article includes a link to the documentary.

Violence and aggression against educators and school personnel, retention, stress, and training needs: National survey results

Research

The research article investigates the alarming rise in violence and aggression against educators in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on two large-scale surveys conducted before and after pandemic restrictions, the study reveals that incidents of verbal harassment, threats, cyberbullying, and physical violence have surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This increase has led to a significant rise in educators expressing intentions to resign or transfer.

Preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the world of work through occupational safety and health measures

Research

The report explores the global prevalence of workplace violence and harassment, affecting over one in five workers. It emphasizes the urgent need for integrated strategies, such as the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190), national legal frameworks, and occupational safety and health protocols, to effectively combat these issues. The report also examines how evolving work conditions, including digitalization and blurred work-life boundaries, intensify these challenges, and highlights the role of collective bargaining and policy innovation in fostering safer, more respectful workplaces

Violence and assaults against staff in schools model policy

Toolkits

The NEU's Model Policy on Violence and Assaults Against Staff provides a structured framework for schools to prevent and respond to workplace violence. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe working environment by setting clear expectations and procedures for handling incidents involving physical or verbal abuse. The accompanying Model Reporting Form is designed to document all instances of violence, threats, or abuse directed at school staff, including supply teachers and contractors, ensuring that such incidents are properly recorded and addressed

Publisher
National Education Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2023
Region
Europe
Topics
Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Violence, threats and power application

Guides

Vold, trusler og magtanvendelseg is a guidance document aimed at supporting teachers and school staff in handling situations involving violence, threats, and the use of force in Danish schools. It outlines the legal framework, including the rights and obligations of employees, and provides practical advice on how to respond to incidents, report them, and seek support. The pamphlet emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, clear communication, and collaboration between staff, management, and local authorities to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.

Publisher
Danish Union of Teachers
Country
Denmark
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Violence and harassment Working conditions
Available in
Danish
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Training of trainers toolkit on the ILO violence and harassment convention (No. 190) and recommendation (No. 206)

Toolkits

The toolkit provides guidance on implementing the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206). It includes practical resources for trainers, such as facilitator guides, activities workbooks, and detailed briefings on key issues. The toolkit aims to raise awareness, encourage discussion, and support unions in developing workplace policies, integrating violence and harassment into occupational safety and health management, and campaigning for the ratification of C190. It emphasizes the importance of gender-responsive approaches and collective bargaining to create safer, more inclusive workplaces.

The resources in Arabic and Turkish can be downloaded from the resource page in English.

Harassment and bullying: School model policy

Toolkits

The NEU's Model Policy on Harassment and Bullying in Schools provides a framework for preventing and addressing inappropriate behavior among staff. It defines harassment and bullying clearly, outlines legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, and sets expectations for training and employer responsibilities. The accompanying Checklist is a practical tool for NEU representatives to evaluate proposed school policies, ensuring they meet union standards and statutory requirements.

Publisher
National Education Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour

Guides

The NASUWT guide on risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour provides essential advice for education employers on their legal duties to protect staff from violence and abuse. It outlines the procedures that schools can follow to tackle disruptive and violent behaviour, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing control measures, and sharing relevant information with staff. The guide also highlights the detrimental impact of violent incidents on staff wellbeing and school environments, and stresses the need for effective behaviour policies to ensure a safe and supportive workplace for both staff and pupils. The NASUWT has produced tailored guidance for members from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour

Guides

The NASUWT guide on risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour provides comprehensive advice for education employers on their legal duties to protect staff from violence and abuse. It outlines procedures for schools and colleges to tackle disruptive and violent behaviour, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments for pupils who display high levels of aggression. The guide highlights the significant impact of poor pupil behaviour on teachers' health and wellbeing, and stresses the need for effective behaviour policies and risk management strategies to ensure a safe and supportive working environment for educators.

Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Safety Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Guide for the prevention and intervention against violence toward education staff

Guides

The resource aimed at addressing violence in educational settings, the guide provides definitions, identifies various forms of violence, and explores their causes and consequences. It offers practical strategies for prevention and intervention, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment for all educational staff. The guide also outlines the legal rights and obligations related to workplace health and safety, and highlights the role of unions in supporting victims and witnesses of violence.