Teachers are facing physical assaults, threats and a “toxic environment” in schools across the island, with some institutions being labelled as “danger zones”, the country’s largest teachers’ union has warned.
The president of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Rudy Lovell told Barbados TODAY the escalating violence in schools had reached crisis level, with several teachers being attacked and children becoming more and more out of control.
He said he was concerned that some schools were no longer learning environments and teachers were putting their lives at risk while on duty.
“The issue of violence in schools, particularly against teachers, has raised its ugly head. Some secondary school educators are being physically assaulted on the job, sometimes to the point of requiring medical attention,” he said.
“This comes on the heels of an incident where two teachers were physically attacked at the Coleridge & Parry School and one at Lester Vaughan. There are also reports of verbal assaults and threats against other teachers across the island, adding to an already toxic environment where educators struggle to maintain control in classrooms when students exhibit disruptive and disrespectful behaviour.
“The situation has gone beyond mere indiscipline. Students are engaging in inappropriate behaviour, including extortion and gambling, turning schools into danger zones instead of learning environments. Some teachers find themselves unable to conduct lessons due to constant disruption, while others face intimidation, not just from students but from administrators who dismiss or downplay serious infractions. Some students see schools as blocks, spaces where disorder, lawlessness, and survival should take precedence over education.
This is more than just a school issue. It is a national issue. If urgent steps are not taken to restore order, enforce discipline, and provide proper support for teachers, we risk irreparable damage to our education system.”
What made the situation more alarming, he said, was the fact that some administrators were pretending to be unaware of incidents of assault on teachers even though reports were being made.
The escalating violence has driven some teachers to think of quitting, Lovell said. “Despite documentation of troubling incidents, some administrators claim ignorance of previous infractions, leaving teachers feeling unprotected and unheard.
The lack of firm follow-up action has created an environment where disruptive students act with impunity, knowing there will be little to no consequences. In addition, some parents are failing to take responsibility for guiding their children.
Instead of working alongside educators, many remain indifferent or even defensive when confronted about their child’s behaviour.”
He added that without “strong parental support, discipline erodes further, and teachers are left to shoulder an unbearable burden alone. The toll on teachers is undeniable. Emotionally drained, overworked, and feeling abandoned, many educators are struggling with declining physical and mental health. The stress of working in an unsafe and unpredictable environment is pushing some to reconsider their future in the profession”.
Stressing that the BUT “will not tolerate violence against our members as we have a zero-tolerance approach to violence”, Lovell said that the union’s executive had issued a protocol on how to handle studenton-teacher violence.
An excerpt from the document read: “All members are implored to remain vigilant and mindful of their surroundings when interacting with students. When you encounter aggression, please refrain from engaging in direct confrontation. Instead, we recommend focusing on de-escalating the situation as calmly and professionally as possible, seeking support from colleagues or school administrators when needed.
“Should you encounter physical violence, you must take immediate action. Please report the incident to your principal both verbally and in writing as soon as possible. Additionally, it is important to file a formal police report.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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