School principals across the country are experiencing increasing instances of offensive behaviour from parents and students, a study has revealed.
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The annual Australian Principal Occupational, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey is conducted by Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Deakin University, and last year involved 2,248 principals from all over the nation.
It found more than 40 per cent of principals reported threats of violence, with some also becoming victims of violent behaviour in 2020.
Researchers found that principals were about nine times more likely to experience threats or acts of violence than the general public.
As a result, the survey concluded, the past year's impacts on workload and stress levels led to an increase in school leaders requiring mental health help.
"During the survey period, three of out 10 school leaders (almost 30 per cent) received a red flag email alerting them to contact employee support services," said Professor Herb Marsh from the ACU Institute for Positive Psychology and Education.
"These alert emails are triggered when school leaders are at risk of self-harm, occupational health problems or serious impacts to their quality of life."
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To curb the rates of red flags, Beth Blackwood, CEO of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia suggested the nation implement strategies that have proven to work on a smaller scale.
"One of the many interesting findings of the report is that principals in Victoria and the Northern Territory - where the departments of education have made significant changes to principals' work practices - were the least likely to generate red flag alerts in the survey and the most likely to report the highest levels of job satisfaction," Ms Blackwood said.
"So we do know that system work practices and employer-initiated health and wellbeing programs for principals can make a difference. That might be better reporting software, access to external health professionals or having a mentor.
"We know some of the elements in the programs initiated by Victoria and the Northern Territory, but we'd really like to know which elements have had the most impact. That's information that could be shared with all states and territories and principals in all sectors so that we could make a difference nationally."
Since the survey began 10 years ago, there has been an increase in reports of bullying, violence, slander, sexual harassment, threats of violence and verbal harassment made by principals.
Of the teachers' survey in NSW, 43 per cent said they had experienced threats of violence in 2020.
Despite the findings, a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education maintained "schools are amongst the safest places in our community".
"Violence of any kind is not acceptable in NSW schools. Our schools have a responsibility to take positive action to help prevent any kind of violence and to respond appropriately when it does occur," the spokesperson said.
"Principals also have the help of Police Liaison Officers and other supports, such as school counsellors, to ensure every member of every school has a safe environment."
In other news:
NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell spoke in parliament yesterday confirming that a meeting took with Wagga's state member Dr Joe McGirr and MLC Wes Fang to discuss responses to offensive behaviour in schools.
"I was in Wagga Wagga last week with the Hon. Wes Fang and the local member, Dr Joe McGirr, to discuss the behaviour strategy with a number of interested representatives-P&C associations, the police, the local Aboriginal community, the PCYC and officers from a number of organisations," Ms Mitchell said.
A review of policies and procedures to support teachers and principals in managing classroom behaviour is expected to be rolled out in term three.
"The department is continuously reviewing our policies and procedures to reduce violence in NSW schools," the spokesperson said.
"The department is fully committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of principals, as it does all staff and students in New South Wales.
"We acknowledge that Australian Principal Occupational, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey touches on the challenging work of principals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership demonstrated by principals has been outstanding during this time."
If you or someone you know needs help, contact:
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78