In light of recent reports regarding student-on-teacher abuse in UK schools, a new study by Save My Exams has uncovered the effects of student and parent abuse towards UK teachers.
The report looks into how social media impacts parent and student abuse towards UK teachers, as well as addressing the effects it has on teacher retention and their mental wellbeing.
Save My Exams conducted a survey of 200 current and former UK teachers, as well as reviewing data from a Department for Education (DFE) FOI request, and online Reddit forum analysis.
Almost 1 in 4 teachers have received abuse on social media from students’ parents
Research from Save My Exams has revealed that almost 1 in 4 (23%) teachers reported receiving abuse on social media from a student’s parents.
Most notably, Save My Exams found that nearly half (44.8%) of Reddit posts reviewed incited hatred or violence towards teachers. A quarter of the hateful comments referenced ‘old’ age, and 2 in 10 posts that incited hate or violence included offensive language.
An additional 21% of respondents reported experiencing online harassment from a student via social media or video.
Two-thirds of teachers face abuse from parents, most commonly by mocking emails and messages
The report reveals that two-thirds (66%) of teachers have faced abuse from parents, most commonly in the form of aggressive or mocking emails and messages (24%).
In light of these results, the study found that only 21% of teachers believe that abuse from parents and students towards them is handled adequately.
The report also found that two in five (41%) teachers have either left the profession or considered doing so due to abuse from students. Additionally, 4 in 10 (40%) said such abuse prevents them from performing at their best in the classroom.
Almost half (47%) of teachers reported feeling unmotivated in their role as a result of student abuse, while a third (33%) admitted to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Education expert calls on UK government to provide more investment to support behaviour policies for teachers
Lucy Kirkham, ex-teacher and Head of STEM at Save My Exams, comments:
“Our report has revealed a significant rise in student-on-teacher abuse and the potential consequences this has on both teachers and students. Not only is it having a profoundly negative impact on the quality of education UK students are receiving, but it is also dramatically affecting attainment by demotivating students and teachers.
“Teachers themselves are having to deal with more verbal and physical abuse and negative comments on online social platforms. This abuse is not just perpetrated by students, but increasingly by parents too. All of this means higher teacher absences, which point to a worsening crisis in teacher retention.
“From this report, we are calling for more guidance and financial support from the UK Government to help rebuild the trust that has deteriorated. More investment is required to support behaviour policies for teachers to deal with the extreme rise in behavioural issues since the Covid-19 pandemic, and to improve the lines of communication between parents and schools.”
