In a worrying revelation, over half of the teachers surveyed in North Rhine-Westphalia have experienced violent incidents at their schools, according to a distressing report. The CDU's Minister of Education, Dorothee Feller, denounced this trend vehemently, expressing her disapproval of any form of violence.
The survey, conducted by the North Rhine-Westphalian Philology Association (PHV), found that 47% of grammar school teachers and a staggering 76% of comprehensive school teachers have encountered verbal or physical abuse in the recent past. Scarily, 8% and 12% of teachers in these schools reported enduring physical attacks, while 4% and 5% were victims of sexualized violence.
The survey also detailed the prevalence of verbal abuse, threats, and online attacks. Nearly a third and a quarter of grammar and comprehensive school teachers, respectively, have faced verbal abuse, and similar percentages have experienced threats. Moreover, 13% and 10% of grammar and comprehensive school teachers, respectively, have been targeted by online attacks.
Unsurprisingly, many teachers have reported a deteriorating sense of safety. Sabine Mistler, the PHV state chairwoman, was left appalled by these figures, stressing the urgency for change.
The North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Education has emphasized its commitment to offering support in case of emergencies. Necessary resources like the "Look and act" emergency folders and an updated crisis prevention handbook are readily available. The ministry also highlighted the "#sicherimDienst" prevention network for the protection of public sector employees and the range of school psychology advice centers.
Teachers requested local, readily accessible contacts, prompt and consistent action, and a guarantee that issues would not be ignored. Feller, the Minister of Education, is under pressure to develop effective solutions to address this alarming situation.
Despite the survey's focus on violence against teachers, it's essential to tackle broader concerns, like promoting internet safety and combating hate crimes. The eco association, in collaboration with the State Prevention Unit against Violence and Cyber Violence for Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia, is offering webinars to foster safer internet use. Additionally, widespread anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim incidents in Germany are being addressed through government programs aimed at raising public awareness and ensuring that victims have reporting mechanisms in place.
While specific strategies to tackle violence against teachers in schools in North Rhine-Westphalia are not mentioned in the recent survey, these broader initiatives to promote internet safety and combat hate crimes could indirectly contribute to creating a safer learning environment.
