Violent incidents involving pupils in schools across Wales have nearly tripled in just five years, raising alarm among educators and prompting fresh demands for a national action plan to tackle the growing school violence in Wales. According to data obtained by the NASUWT teaching union, reported incidents rose from 2,483 in the 2019-20 academic year to 6,446 in 2023-24.
The figures, gathered through freedom of information requests to Welsh councils, have been described as “shocking” by NASUWT national official for Wales, Neil Butler, who is urging the Welsh government to respond with immediate and meaningful intervention. “We have a crisis in behaviour in our schools, and talking is no longer enough,” he said.
Violence Linked to Social Media and Lack of Boundaries
Mr Butler identified a mix of causes behind the rise in violence, including increased mobile phone usage, harmful online content, and a cultural shift in classroom dynamics. He warned that the growing focus on individual learning needs has in some cases led to the neglect of broader classroom discipline, allowing disruptive and violent behaviour to escalate unchecked.
A separate NASUWT survey found that nearly 60% of teachers believe social media has negatively impacted student behaviour, contributing to increased misogyny and sexism in classrooms.
Butler added: “Online influences are extremely serious and causing a great deal of damage. One option we’ll explore at the upcoming behaviour summit is banning mobile phones in schools.”
Teachers Say Classroom Discipline Is Breaking Down
The Welsh government, which condemned any form of abuse or violence in schools as “completely unacceptable,” has scheduled a national behaviour summit for May. Officials say over 7,000 school staff have contributed to a recent survey to shape the summit’s focus and priorities.
However, teaching professionals say they need more than discussion. Sharron Daly, a teacher from Bridgend, said the challenges in schools have intensified, driven by larger class sizes, students with complex needs, and what she described as a “sense of entitlement” among some children. She noted an increase in low-level disruption and verbal abuse, even when teachers ask pupils to follow basic instructions.
“Some children arrive without clear boundaries or expectations set at home, and that lack of structure continues into the classroom,” Daly said. “It’s not just upsetting for teachers—it’s disturbing for other children who witness the abuse.”
Union Demands Action, Not Just Dialogue
With behaviour-related incidents continuing to rise and staff morale under pressure, the NASUWT is demanding that the Welsh government deliver more than promises. Mr Butler stressed the urgent need for a national strategy that provides clear guidelines and practical support to educators facing daily threats to their safety and teaching effectiveness.
