NASUWT: Teachers afraid of report bullying
A third of teachers have suffered prejudice related bullying within the last year according to the findings of research commissioned by the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union. For one in five of these teachers, bullying is a consistent feature of their working life.
However, victims are often afraid to report incidents out of fear about the negative impact on their career and possible reprisals – only 15 per cent of victims reported every incident that occurred.
The survey, commissioned by the NASUWT to coincide with its Annual Conference in Glasgow over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, also reveals that:
1.1 age-related bullying and harassment was the most common type reported in 41 per cent of cases. This was followed by other types of prejudice related bullying (28 per cent) and those related to body image (16 per cent) and gender/sex/trans (14 per cent).
. One in six teachers report having experienced organised racist and fascist activity within schools.
. In around half of all cases teachers were bullied by their immediate line-manager (48 per cent), just over a third were bullied by a colleague (36 per cent) and around a quarter were bullied by pupils (25 per cent).
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:
“These are disturbing findings revealing the appalling and unacceptable treatment of teachers in the workplace.
“Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise confirming as it does anecdotal reports from members which prompted this additional study.
“Tackling prejudice related bullying must be a whole school issue, with policies outlawing such behaviour towards staff and pupils.
“The NASUWT has been highlighting these issues for some years and this research demonstrates that it remains a critical issue.
“Teachers, like all other workers, have a right to be treated with dignity at work.
“The idea that victims of such behaviour are too frightened to report that they are being treated in this way should raise deep concerns about the inappropriate management culture in some schools.
“Unfortunately the commitment made by the last government to introduce recording of all incidents of bullying, including prejudice related bullying of staff and pupils has been put on hold by the Coalition.
“In order to put in place effective strategies at national, local and school level to combat bullying in all its forms, a comprehensive database of incidents is needed to show the full nature and extent of the problems.”
Professor Martin Gill, Director of PRCI research, said:
“The scale of victimisation underlines the importance of developing, implementing and communicating effective policies in schools that address all forms of prejudice related bullying. “Moreover, there needs to be an increased emphasis on encouraging victims to report incidents; understanding victimisation patterns is crucial to developing the best response.”
ENDS
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Notes to editors
For the research summary report, or any further media enquiries, please contact the NASUWT press office. The NASUWT’s Annual Conference takes place in Glasgow on 22-25 April 2011. The research study, conducted by PRCI on behalf of the NASUWT, involved: a large scale literature review of internet and online journals exploring the scope of available literature on prejudice related bullying and harassment of teachers and head teachers.
The literature review also included an examination of the content of education-related material published by the British National Party (BNP), trade unions and anti-fascist organisations in order to explore the nature of racism and fascism in schools and colleges. an online questionnaire survey of teachers during February and March 2011.
The NASUWT programme of commissioned research involves independent researchers engaged in leading-edge research and development activity throughout the UK.
The NASUWT is committed to publishing the results of all research it commissions in order to inform the development of policy and research scholarship, and to contribute to public and professional debate. All of the Union’s commissioned research contributes directly to improving teachers’ practice, working lives and outcomes for children and young people.
Peter Graham
Senior Press Officer – NASUWT
Direct Line: 020 7420 9680
Mobile: 07966 195 010
E-mail: peter.graham@mail.nasuwt.org.uk
Web: www.nasuwt.org.uk
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