Workplace Violence at Schools – “If You See Something, Say Something” Stats and Facts

FACTS

1. Educators may face physical attacks from students or intruders, leading to injuries and psychological trauma.
2. Threatening language can create a hostile work environment, affecting teachers’ mental health and job performance.
3. Persistent bullying by students or colleagues can escalate into more severe forms of violence if unaddressed.
4. The presence of weapons on school premises poses significant risks to the safety of both staff and students.
5. Fear of retaliation or disbelief may lead staff to avoid reporting suspicious behaviors, allowing potential threats to go unchecked.
6. Lack of proper training in recognizing and responding to warning signs can leave educators ill-prepared to handle potential violence.

STATS

Canada:

• A survey revealed that 75% of educational assistants reported experiencing physical force during the 2022–2023 school year, highlighting the prevalence of violence in schools.
• 31% of men and 47% of women reported experiencing harassment or sexual assault in the workplace, indicating significant safety concerns.
• An overwhelming 75% of OSSTF/FEESO members reported an increase in incidents of violence since they began working, with 31% having personally experienced physical force.

USA:

• In the 2020–2021 school year, 6% of public-school teachers reported being threatened with injury by a student, while 4% reported being physically attacked.
• Workplace assaults resulted in 57,610 injuries in 2021–2022, emphasizing the need for effective violence prevention strategies.
• A Michigan high school’s “see something, say something” policy may have prevented a disaster, demonstrating the effectiveness of such initiatives in preventing school violence.