Pupil behaviour 'getting worse' at schools in England, say teachers

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-68674568

Do you think that pupil behaviour is getting worse?

Reply 1

flowersinmyhair

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Study Forum Helper

Certainly in younger years (years 7 to 10), I think so. I think the pandemic has had a massive impact on behaviour.

Reply 2

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

Original post by flowersinmyhair

Certainly in younger years (years 7 to 10), I think so. I think the pandemic has had a massive impact on behaviour.

I want to blame lack of (good) parenting as well.

Reply 3

Supermature

Research into this phenomenon is ongoing but the indications are that the two factors cited in Replies 1 and 2 are predominant. A report by the NAS/UWT published in September last year found very similar patterns of behaviour.

Poor socialisation skills following COVID restrictions was the most commonly cited driving factor, identified by almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents. Use of restorative behaviour programmes that are ineffective is also thought to be a significant cause, with 60% of members raising this. Around half of respondents identified lack of proper policies and procedures to deter unacceptable behaviour (53%), and poor mental health of pupils (51%).

Among the other factors cited was the loss of so many experienced teachers as a result of the retention crisis across the profession - something that will need to be urgently addressed before the situation deteriorates yet further.

Reply 4

HBeetle

Apparently the gov just invested crazy money in a new program- sounds like more 'reflection' sessions- my old schools version of detentions, in a black walled box for hours, nothing to do, no talking, for the smallest things. Would you deserve 3hrs 'reflection' and an after school for pinging a ping pong ball at a friend which accidentally hit them bc they couldnt catch it? My little bro got the brunt of that and the teachers didnt even listen to him. Parents were furious at the school. Praise points inflated where you get 10 for just turning up to lessons and not speaking out of line. Schools going to the dogs