Between 2022 and 2024, there was a noticeable increase in reported bullying over the three years, along with a resurgence in cyberbullying after a dip in 2023. Threats of violence remained relatively stable throughout the period, while incidents of physical violence, although less frequent, gradually increased. These trends point to growing concerns about the prevalence of workplace violence, particularly in bullying and physical violence, within the school leadership environment.
The analysis across three years revealed a persistent and concerning presence of workplace violence in schools. In 2024, the data shows an increase in reported cases in all types of violence, particularly bullying and physical violence, which
have reached the highest levels since the survey began. Female leaders consistently reported higher incidents of all forms of violence compared to their male counterparts, with particularly high rates of bullying, threats of violence and
physical violence. Overall, the findings demonstrate the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these growing issues.
Violence against you, School Leaders, is utterly unacceptable. Our National Executive is currently looking at ways to support members and to advocate for immediate actions to be taken in order to create safe working environments for our members. Should you be a victim of workplace violence, please reach out for support and advice. Rachel O' Connor, Deputy Director.
