Teachers Demand Action as Violence in Canadian Schools Surges

Teachers and support staff across Canada are raising alarms over rising violence in schools, highlighting a crisis that has been overlooked for too long. Reports from the Workers Compensation Board reveal a staggering increase in injury claims among educators, signaling a profound impact on those responsible for educating the nation’s children.

Data shows that last year, there were 844 more injury reports from school staff, including educational assistants and early childhood educators, compared to a decade ago, representing a remarkable 332 per cent increase. Notably, incidents of surface wounds and bruises among school staff have quadrupled from 2015 to 2025, while open wound incidents have seen a ninefold rise. The category of “other traumatic injuries and disorders,” which encompasses concussions and general pain, surged from 34 cases in 2015 to 434 in 2025.

This escalating violence manifests in various forms, with educators being punched, bitten, kicked, and spat upon at increasing rates. What was once perceived as isolated incidents now reveals a troubling trend. In Ontario, research indicates that student-initiated violence against elementary school teachers increased by over 30 per cent between the 2017-18 and 2022-23 school years. Further studies from the University of Ottawa indicate that violence against female educators occurs at rates double that of their male counterparts.

The roots of this violence are complex, often reflecting broader systemic challenges. Underfunded classrooms, unmet mental health needs, and a lack of sufficient support staff contribute to this troubling environment. Teachers and educational assistants are frequently tasked with managing increasingly complex behavioral and emotional issues, often without the necessary training or resources to do so safely.

Addressing the needs of students who exhibit violent behavior—often stemming from trauma, disabilities, or mental health issues—does not excuse the lack of protections for educators. The current crisis demands urgent attention and a multi-faceted response.

Data Collection and Policy Review

To tackle this issue, provincial governments should begin collecting and publishing data on incidents of violence in schools. This step would not only quantify the problem but also inform staffing, training, and resource allocation decisions. School divisions must reevaluate their policies regarding violent incidents, ensuring educators feel empowered to report violence without fear of stigma or reprisal.

Clear protocols should be established for responding to assaults and threats, and staff should receive training in de-escalation techniques as well as in recognizing when additional intervention is necessary.

Equally vital is the need for increased funding for in-class support. Hiring more educational assistants and mental health professionals, reducing class sizes, and prioritizing schools that serve high-needs populations are essential steps toward creating a safer learning environment.

Acknowledging the Crisis

Acknowledging the problem is the first step toward resolution. The silence surrounding violence in schools must end; a culture of concealment does not benefit anyone. Violence in the classroom is not simply “part of the job” for educators. It constitutes a serious workplace safety issue, a public health concern, and an equity issue in education.

If society genuinely values its educators and the students they serve, it is imperative to act with urgency, compassion, and clarity. Ensuring that classrooms are safe spaces for learning is a responsibility shared by all stakeholders. The time for change is now, and the well-being of both educators and students hangs in the balance.