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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Prevention and intervention guide against violence towards education personnel

The document is a resource aimed at education professionals. It addresses the growing issue of violence in educational settings by defining its various forms, physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, cyberviolence, and incivility, and analyzing their causes and consequences. The guide outlines legal responsibilities, prevention strategies, intervention techniques, and support mechanisms for both staff and students. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, collaboration with families and external partners, and the role of unions in protecting and supporting victims.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2025
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Physical health Safety Violence and harassment
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders

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.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Singapore Teachers' Union (STU) Ministry of Education, Singapore
Country
Singapore
Year of publication
2025
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders

Teachers’ working conditions, wellbeing and retention: an exploratory analysis to identify the key factors associated with teachers’ intention to leave

Research

The research paper investigates the psychosocial work environment of Australian teachers to understand why many consider leaving the profession. Using data from 744 teachers in government schools, the study applies statistical analyses to identify 14 key variables linked to teachers’ intentions to leave. Findings reveal that factors such as emotional demands, work-family conflict, violence, stress, and depressive symptoms increase the likelihood of departure, while job satisfaction, commitment, and meaningful work reduce it. Career stage also plays a role, with mid- and late-career teachers more likely to consider leaving than early-career ones.

Download resource in English
Publisher
The Australian Educational Researcher
Country
Australia
Year of publication
2025
Region
Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health Violence and harassment Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

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.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union (NEU)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Online ressource

Model stress risk assessment for schools and colleges

Toolkits

The document serves as a model framework to help educational institutions identify and manage stress-related risks among staff. It emphasizes the importance of consulting union representatives during the assessment process and offers practical guidance to promote well-being and prevent work-related stress. Designed as an example of good practice, the assessment supports schools and colleges in creating healthier working environments through proactive risk management.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union (NEU)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2025
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Violence and harassment Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

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.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Sunstone Institute
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2025
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Safety Violence and harassment Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Online ressource

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.

Open resource in English
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.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Deutsche Welle - DW Cómo te afecta
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Respect Right to disconnect and technology Salaries and remuneration Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

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.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Maestro CMF
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Respect Right to disconnect and technology Salaries and remuneration Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Let’s fight suffering: Psychological distress

The document addresses the impact of psychosocial risks in the workplace on mental health. It explains how factors such as work overload, lack of support, job insecurity, and harassment can lead to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. The guide outlines the physical, mental, and emotional consequences for workers and organizations, and proposes a three-level prevention strategy: eliminating risks at the source, equipping workers to manage stress, and repairing the effects through support programs. It also highlights legal rights and recourses available to workers under Quebec labor laws.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2024
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Violence and harassment Working conditions Workload
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives

Acting together – Intimate partner violence is also our concern

The document is a guide aimed at understanding, preventing, and addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) in both personal and professional contexts. It explores the nature, forms, and consequences of IPV, highlights the specific challenges faced by marginalized groups, and emphasizes the role of workplaces, unions, and employers in supporting victims and intervening with perpetrators. The guide provides practical tools, legal frameworks, model policies, and resources to foster safer environments and promote collective responsibility in combating IPV across society.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2024
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives

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.

Download resource in English
Publisher
American Psychologist
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2024
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Pandemics and epidemics Safety Violence and harassment Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

INEE Minimum Standards - Standard 9: Protection and Wellbeing

Guides

The INEE Minimum Standards offer a compilation of guidances that emphasize the importance of creating safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments that support the psychosocial and physical wellbeing of learners, teachers, and education support personnel. It outlines key actions such as promoting positive classroom management, preventing school-related gender-based violence, ensuring safe school infrastructure, and training staff on protection mechanisms and referrals. The standard also highlights the role of community participation and risk reduction strategies in safeguarding education spaces, especially in insecure or crisis-affected areas.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)
Year of publication
2024
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Safety Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Online ressource

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

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Publisher
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Year of publication
2024
Topics
Physical health Safety Violence and harassment
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Suffering at work: an underestimated issue?

Policy briefs and Policies

The article discusses the significant issue of workplace suffering, highlighting that 43% of workers report experiencing some form of suffering, with 7% facing severe distress. It emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to address physical and psychosocial risks, and calls for the recognition of work-related mental illnesses as occupational diseases. The UNSA stresses the importance of better information for workers about their rights and the necessity for companies to create healthier and safer working environments.

Open resource in French
Publisher
Union nationale des syndicats autonomes - Education (UNSA Education)
Country
France
Year of publication
2024
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health Safety Violence and harassment
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page