Violence in Schools: A Growing Concern
- Thom McCaffery
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Recent data has revealed a worrying trend: young pupils as young as five are being removed
from school for physically attacking teachers and fellow students. This alarming situation raises questions about how schools are managing student behaviour and what factors might be contributing to this rise in violence.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
During the 2022/23 academic year, there were nearly 3,600 children in reception and nursery classes who were suspended or expelled for physically assaulting an adult.
Additionally, around 1,890 children were excluded for assaulting other pupils. These figures, provided by official data, are the latest available and paint a concerning picture of young children’s behaviour in schools.
Furthermore, the data shows that violence is not limited to very young children. Across all age groups, more than 100 primary school pupils were excluded for theft, and 855 students faced sanctions for bringing weapons or prohibited items into school. Even more troubling is that 148 pupils were disciplined for misuse of drugs or alcohol, and 138 faced sanctions for inappropriate online behaviour — including one child aged five or younger.
Increasing Violence Among Young Pupils
One of the most striking findings is the sharp increase in violent behaviour among primary school pupils. The number of exclusions for violent conduct among children aged 11 and under rose by 40% in just one year.
In the autumn term of 2023 alone, over 25,700 suspensions and expulsions were recorded for physical assault across the country. This is a significant increase from the 18,259 incidents reported during the same period the previous year.
Breaking down these figures further, around 15,283 incidents involved assaults against adults, such as teachers or staff members. The remaining 10,441 incidents were assaults against other children. Tragically, these behaviours have led to the permanent expulsion of 421 primary school children.
Causes Behind the Rising Violence
Experts and educators believe that the pandemic has played a role in this disturbing trend. The COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in children missing out on crucial social experiences, which are vital for developing good behaviour and social skills. Young children, in particular, may have missed opportunities to learn how to share, take turns, and manage frustrations in a classroom setting.
Older children, meanwhile, might have become accustomed to less structured routines and the informal manners that come with normal school life. This disruption in routine and social interaction could be contributing to increased frustration and behavioural issues.
The Impact on Teachers and School Environment
The rise in violence and disruptive behaviour is not only concerning for students but also for teachers and school staff. Teachers often face challenging situations where their safety and well-being are at risk. The general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, Dr. Patrick Roach, highlighted that violence and abuse from pupils have increased since the pandemic, based on feedback from union members.
This situation can lead to a less safe and less positive environment within schools, making it harder for teachers to focus on teaching and for students to learn effectively. It also raises questions about whether current disciplinary policies are sufficient or need to be re-evaluated.
Addressing the Issue
Addressing this rising tide of violence requires a comprehensive approach. Schools need effective strategies to manage behaviour, support students who may be struggling, and involve parents and communities in creating a safe and nurturing environment.
Some potential steps include:
Enhanced social and emotional learning programs to help children develop better self-control and empathy.
Early intervention strategies for children showing signs of behavioural issues.
Training for teachers and staff to handle challenging situations including preventing and managing violence more effectively.
Clear policies and consistent consequences for disruptive behaviour.
Mental health support for young people to address underlying issues such as trauma, anxiety, or other challenges they may face.
Robust Support Networks for Staff who manage these challenges daily to provide a high standard of education.
Final Thoughts
The recent data paints a worrying picture of young children involved in violent and disruptive behaviours at school. While the pandemic has undoubtedly played a role, it’s clear that schools, parents, and communities must work together to address the root causes and implement effective solutions.
Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment is essential for every child's development and for the well-being of teachers and staff. It’s crucial that we take these challenges seriously and act promptly to ensure our schools are places where children can learn and grow in safety and harmony.
If you are a parent, teacher, or anyone involved in education, staying informed and involved is key. Together, we can help create better environments for our children to thrive.
To find out how we can help reduce risks in your school, download our course brochure below or get in touch.
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