One thought on “The reports of surging school violence at the same time as recorded violent crime by under 21s plummets to less than a quarter of that ten years ago requires more serious study and not just media hysteria”

1. Of course, no one should be assaulted when doing her or his job. However, in some jobs, such as police officer, prison officer, security staff, working in hospitals, working in schools, paramedics, firefighters there is an increased likelihood of this happening. That it does not happen very often is largely down to the capability of these staff in managing situations which become fraught.

   But, even these capable staff can experience situations where their techniques do not work and restraining actions have to employed or the person isolated until he or she is calmer. When such things occur, sometimes people receive injuries and the deserve support.

   It is important, after things have settled down and any injuries treated that the situation and the circumstance leading up to it are reviewed, preferably, without ascribing blame, to try to learn lessons to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. This can include some kind of training for those involved, including the person injured. Unfortunately, there are circumstances where it blaming will be required.

   However, it is important to get a sense of proportion in this. I taught in 7 secondary schools over a period of 39 years. I know of only four incidents in these schools during that period when teachers were struck in anger by young people. I can recall about a dozen occasions when a young person was restrained to prevent injury to another young person or adult. I do not include in that breaking up fights in the playground, and many of these were broken up by other pupils. Interestingly, fights in secondary schools reduced when the afternoon break ceased.

   A large proportion of injuries to teachers occur in schools dealing with children with additional needs and in the infant stages of primary schools. As young people get older they learn greater personal restraint.

   I do not think teacher unions do themselves or the reputation of their profession any good by the hyperbole they employ when speaking about such matters.

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