One in five Scots teachers face verbal and physical attacks

NEARLY 20% of secondary school teachers have been assaulted by pupils, research shows.

In one case, a teacher came under attack from a pupil who threw a chisel – while in another, a teacher was repeatedly punched.

Verbal abuse is becoming the norm, affecting seven out of 10 staff members, according to research by the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA).

Its survey of 1079 members also highlights concerns that many teachers do not receive adequate support after incidents of violence or abuse.

Many say that schools’ inclusion policies often leave teachers without the protection from violence that other professions – and council employees – routinely expect.

SSTA general secretary Seamus Searson said the study confirmed “the regular reports we have been receiving from members of the increasing problem of poor behaviour in schools”.

Some 19% of respondents reported having suffered a physical assault in their career, while 70% had experienced serious verbal abuse.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The majority of school heads and teachers believe that most pupils are well-behaved.

“Our refreshed guidance on preventing exclusions, published last year, includes guidance on managing challenging behaviour.”