Physical assaults on teachers in Northern Ireland on the rise

By HANNAH PATTERSON

A rising number of Primary School teachers are being physically assaulted by students in Northern Ireland, Downtown Radio & Cool FM can reveal today.

We have obtained the latest figures from the Education Authority through a Freedom of Information request.

Our findings show how many Primary School teachers were physically assaulted by Primary School students each year, dating back to 2020.

An incredible 61 incidents were reported in 2024. This is more than double the number of reported incidents in 2023.

Here is what we found:

61 assaults on teachers in 2024

30 assaults on teachers in 2023

35 assaults on teachers in 2022

12 assaults on teachers in 2021

8 assaults on teachers in 2020

The figures date back to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began here. It is clear that physical assaults by students on Primary School teachers have significantly been on the rise since then.

These figures highlight one of the of the many challenges faced by educators in Northern Ireland... with disputes around pay awards also sparking discussion recently.

Although, industrial action which had been planned for this week by teaching unions here has been suspended.

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the step which he said would allow for further discussions over pay.

Members of teaching unions had voted to take part in industrial action in December.

You can hear more about this story at the top of the hour in our hourly news bulletins: https://hellorayo.co.uk/cool-fm/

If you have been impacted by topics regarding this story or have experienced this, we’re keen to speak with you. This can be done anonymously. Please reach out.