Surge in Classroom Violence Raises Alarm for Educators Nationwide

Violence in classrooms across Canada has surged dramatically, raising alarms about the safety of educators and the learning environment for students. Recent reports indicate a troubling increase in injury claims among teachers and support staff, with the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) noting a rise of 332 percent in claims over the past decade. This trend highlights a broader issue that educators are confronting in schools nationwide.

Data obtained by the Winnipeg Free Press reveals that injury reports from school staff, including educational assistants and early childhood educators, have escalated significantly. In the last year alone, there were 844 more reports compared to a decade ago. Incidents of surface wounds and bruises quadrupled from 2015 to 2025, while open wound incidents increased ninefold. The number of other traumatic injuries, such as concussions and back pain, surged from 34 in 2015 to 434 in 2025.

The nature of violence in schools has evolved, with staff increasingly facing physical assaults. Reports indicate that teachers are being punched, bitten, kicked, and spat on, marking a shift from what were once viewed as isolated incidents to a pervasive problem. For instance, elementary school teacher Julie Braaksma recounted a harrowing experience in January when she was called in to assist a Grade 1 student having a temper tantrum. The situation escalated quickly, leading to her being physically attacked and sustaining injuries.

The situation is not limited to Manitoba. Research from Ontario shows a more than 30 percent increase in student-initiated violence against elementary school teachers between the 2017-18 and 2022-23 academic years. Furthermore, findings from the University of Ottawa indicate that the rate of violence against women in schools is twice that of men, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.

Violence in schools can reflect systemic challenges such as underfunded classrooms, unmet mental health needs, inadequate support staff, and inconsistent policies. Teachers and educational assistants often lack the necessary tools and training to manage increasingly complex behavioral issues. While many students who exhibit violent behavior may be dealing with trauma or mental health challenges, this does not excuse the absence of protections for educators.

Despite the alarming statistics, the issue has not garnered the attention it warrants. A multifaceted response is essential to address the crisis effectively. Governments should begin by collecting and publishing comprehensive data on school violence incidents, allowing for better-informed decisions regarding staffing and resource allocation.

Additionally, school divisions must reassess their policies related to violent incidents to empower educators to report violence without fear of reprisal. Implementing clear protocols for responding to assaults and ensuring that staff receive training in de-escalation techniques is crucial. Moreover, there is an urgent need for increased funding for in-class support, including hiring more educational assistants and mental health professionals, and reducing class sizes, particularly in schools serving high-needs populations.

Acknowledging the problem is the first step towards meaningful change. The silence surrounding violence in schools must end. It is imperative that educators not only feel safe in their work environment but also that students learn in a secure setting. Addressing these issues is a matter of workplace safety, public health, and educational equity.

If society values both educators and students, immediate action is necessary to restore classrooms as safe spaces for learning. The classroom should be a place where both students and educators can thrive without fear of violence.