Female teachers in Scotland are experiencing higher levels of physical abuse from pupils and are receiving both physical and verbal abuse more frequently than their male colleagues, research from NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, indicates.
Data from the Union’s recent Behaviour in Schools survey shows that 19% of female teachers in Scotland said they have experienced physical abuse or violence from pupils several times a week in the previous 12 months, compared to just 3% of male teachers.
While the figures show male teachers are more likely to face verbal threats from pupils, female teachers are more likely to have experienced actual physical violence. 19% reported having been hit or punched, compared to 12% of male teachers, 39% had been shoved or barged, compared to 29% of males. 11% had been kicked (compared to 8%). 9% had been spat at (compared to 6%) and 2% headbutted (compared to 1%).
While the survey indicated similarly high levels of verbal abuse against both male and female teachers, with 94% of male and 95% of female teachers experiencing such abuse in the previous 12 months, verbal attacks were more frequent against female teachers.
22% of female teachers said they experienced verbal abuse from pupils daily in the previous 12 months, compared to 11% of male teachers.
Female teachers described misogyny and sexism as being among the abuse that they are experiencing from pupils.
The data is being published to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence global campaign which runs from 25th November to 10th December.
The NASUWT is calling for ministers and employers to take greater action to support schools and on social media to tackle the scourge of misogyny and gender-based abuse directed at women teachers, which also affects female pupils.
Jane Peckham, NASUWT Deputy General Secretary, said:
“We know from this survey, our casework and previous research that sexual harassment and sexism towards both female teachers and pupils in schools and colleges is commonplace and that the majority of incidents fail to be reported or dealt with effectively.
“We cannot hope to make our schools safe and secure places to learn and work unless the gendered element of managing pupil behaviour is also addressed.”
Mike Corbett, NASUWT National Official Scotland, said:
“Sexist and misogynistic abuse and harassment of female teachers and pupils in our schools is a daily occurrence.
“What women and girls are experiencing in schools is a reflection of a wider societal culture, which is why it cannot be left to schools alone to tackle this issue.
“Ministers and employers have a responsibility to step up. Women and girls should not continue to have their safety put at risk and have their daily lives blighted by sexist abuse.”
