Police and Security, Vol. 33 No. 3, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.59245/ps.33.3.3
Student' and Parents' Violence Against Secondary School Teachers: Prevalence and Basic Characteristics
Sanja Radić
; Teaching and Clinical Center, University of Zagreb Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, Croatia
Irma Kovčo Vukadin
; Department of Criminology, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, Croatia
Rea Rattinger
; Elementary school Vladimir Deščak, Novaki, Sveta Nedelja, Croatia
Abstract
School facilities provide an important socialization environment and contribute to positive developmental outcomes for students. Violence against teachers (by students or their parents) is increasingly the focus of scholars and practitioners. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and nature of students’ and their parents’ violent behavior toward teachers, as well as consequences and teacher activities afterwards. Specific aim was to test differences regarding to teachers’ gender.
Secondary school teachers in Croatia (N=607) participated in the study. During their professional experience, participants most frequently experienced insults, name-calling, or derogatory nicknames from students and their parents during class. Participants cited a desire to prove themselves to other students and dissatisfaction with their grade as the most common reasons for violent student behavior. Participants most often experienced stress due to violent behavior, and the majority did not need professional help or take sick leave due to such experiences. Less than one-third of participants are familiar with regulations to protect against violent behavior, slightly more than half believe their school provides for the safety of teachers and other staff, and only one-tenth of participants believe the issue of staff safety in secondary schools receives enough attention at the state level. The survey found statistically significant differences between male and female teachers in the forms of violent behavior experienced, the circumstances and perceived causes and consequences, and the activities undertaken following the violent behavior experienced.
Keywords
violent behavior, students, parents, teachers, secondary school, Croatia
Hrčak ID:
320438
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2024.
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