Violence, Vandalism, Bullying: Everyday School Life Stressful for Many Teachers

Austrian teachers are generally satisfied with the school climate: In the current OECD study TALIS 2024, 96 percent stated that teaching staff and children usually get along well. However, compared to the 2018 survey, vandalism and violence have increased, and more students are exhibiting behavioral issues. Bullying is a frequent topic. Compared to the other 54 participating OECD and 22 EU countries, Austria does not stand out.

Bullying and Violence in Schools Are Increasing

According to the OECD study, there are more problematic locations in Austria compared to the past: Nine percent of teachers work at a school where, according to the administration, vandalism or theft regularly occurs (2018: just under two percent). At three percent of the teachers' locations, violence among students regularly occurs according to the directors' survey (2018: one percent), and at two percent, drug or alcohol use by students is a regular issue (2018: 0.6). Four percent are currently working at a location where intimidation or insults of school staff regularly occur (no comparison value for 2018).

More Behavioral Issues in Middle Schools

The proportion of children with behavioral issues has also increased: 18 percent of middle school teachers reported in TALIS 2024 that over 30 percent of students in their class exhibit behavioral issues. According to the Austrian report, six percent said this at AHS. Six years ago, it was 14 and three percent, respectively. Disruptions in class also occur more frequently than in 2018, with 29 percent of teachers now describing them as a frequent problem (2018: 22).

Compared to the last TALIS study from 2018, many more teachers also feel burdened by disruptive behavior of children (increase from 36 to 50 percent). Among educators with a maximum of five years of teaching experience, almost two-thirds are stressed by maintaining discipline in the classroom. In the international report, the authors therefore advocate for better support for young teachers in classroom management.

Bullying Remains a Major Issue

Bullying is also a major issue: 21 percent of teachers currently work at schools where, according to the surveyed school principals, intimidation or bullying among children occurs at least weekly. The same proportion of children are systematically harassed online by their classmates over a longer period. According to the survey, it is comparatively more often an issue at schools in the city or where many children do not speak German well or come from socioeconomically disadvantaged families.

In principle, almost all Austrian teachers surveyed by TALIS report a zero-tolerance policy at their schools regarding bullying. Nevertheless, 39 percent stated that it is a problem at their location. According to the surveyed teachers, there are now contact persons for students with personal problems almost everywhere. Over 90 percent report that children turn to the teaching staff when they have problems.

No International Outliers

In international comparison, the proportion of teachers at locations where, according to school principals, bullying regularly occurs varies greatly, ranging from almost zero (including Shanghai, Korea, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia) to around 40 percent (Malta, Finland, Belgium, France). The OECD study explains the wide range by noting that in some countries, active policies and campaigns against bullying are conducted, resulting in a stronger awareness of the issue.

(APA/Red)

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