Abuse and threats of violence against Queensland teachers has forced the State Government to introduce a Respect Our Staff campaign.
Last year, 150 parents were banned from school grounds over violence or threats of violence against teachers, while 174 teachers received workers compensation after being assaulted by students.
Those figures are down on previous years, but the LNP’s education spokeswoman, Tracy Davis, said she was worried the violence was turning people away from teaching.
The issue was raised during a tense estimates hearing at Parliament House on Tuesday, when Ms Davis questioned Education Minister Kate Jones.
“It’s almost like fight club,” Ms Davis said.
Ms Jones dismissed suggestions that she had not done enough to protect teachers.
“Everything we have done since we have come into office is all about empowering teachers and supporting teachers in our classrooms and in our schools,” Ms Jones said.
“Whether it’s providing additional resources, additional teachers, so there is less stress in school environments.”
Campaign to focus on need for safe learning environments
Ms Jones said the Respect Our Staff campaign aimed to prevent abuse and violence directed towards teachers by raising community awareness.
“To set positive examples for our children, and demonstrate respect for staff and for our schools,” she said.
“This campaign reminds everyone in the school community that we can all play our part in making working and learning environments safe for all students and educators.”
The Queensland Teachers Union president, Kevin Bates, said violence against teachers was disappointing and a crackdown on aggressive behaviour was long overdue.
“What we have in front of us is a reality of our community,” he said.
“Teachers expect to be safe in their work places and it is the employer’s responsibility to keep them safe and healthy.
“Just as we have seen campaigns for our paramedics, teachers will be very soon on a public footing, saying it is not okay to come into a school and do the wrong thing by teachers and principals.”
This post originally appeared on ABC News.
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Top Comments
I used to work in a primary school, and some parents are just really feral nasty pieces of work and you feel for their poor children. They have little hope. Parents these days expect their children to achieve As without the parent doing any reading or homework with them. They expect the teacher and staff to do 100% of the parenting job. When I was a child in the 80s, my mother made me do my homework straight after I returned home and I couldn't go out to play until I finished it, even if my friend was sitting waiting for me on the verandah. And she would check it. These days, parents don't care when or even if their children do their homework, and don't read with them. There is almost no other job that is as soul-destroying and makes you lose faith in humanity than teaching.