A shocking report released this week by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) reveals a troubling trend in the province’s schools: violence is on the rise, with an average of 22 incidents occurring daily. The data highlights an alarming increase in aggressive behaviors among students and incidents where school staff members are struck or threatened, leading to a surge in police presence on school grounds.

In total, the NLTA counted 4,052 violent incidents reported to school administrators or the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, marking the highest figures since the pandemic disrupted in-person learning in 2020. "It's only a matter of time before something more severe happens," warned Trent Langdon, president of the NLTA, expressing fears that a severe injury could occur if the situation is not addressed. Concerns over weapons being present on school grounds further exacerbate these fears.

The report encompasses various forms of violence, including fighting, choking, threats, and harassment, all of which have worsened over the past three school years. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary reported responding to schools 178 times in the 2023-2024 academic year—a significant increase from 111 calls the previous year. "We're seeing it on a broader spectrum in the schools," noted Jerry Earle, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees, which represents student assistants working with children having special needs. He underscored the stressors that come with being involved in such a volatile environment.

This concerning trend isn't isolated to Newfoundland and Labrador. Teachers across Canada are voicing similar concerns. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation reported a summer survey indicating an uptick in school violence in that province as well. Approximately 30% of respondents reported being targeted by physical force, a disturbing sign that educational environments are becoming more dangerous.

Karen Littlewood, president of the Ontario federation, criticized the normalization of violence in educational settings. "We don’t get to say that in education," she lamented, referring to anti-violence policies commonplace in other public spaces. Littlewood believes the roots of this violence lie in longstanding staffing issues and overstretched resources, rather than solely attributing it to the pandemic.

To combat these growing issues, responses from local governments vary. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of Education has attempted to mitigate violence by adding more school administrators and guidance counselors. New roles have been created to support student services, with positive feedback reported so far.

Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell emphasized a focus on social-emotional learning and self-regulation to address these troubling incidents. "Our approach aims to limit or eliminate reactionary responses in the classroom," she stated.

As violence in schools escalates, both educators and students are calling for immediate action and comprehensive solutions. Earle emphasized the need to examine underlying causes: "We need to think about our kids and everyone working within our education system... we must come together to address why this is happening."

These revelations serve as an urgent wake-up call for authorities, educators, and the community: the safety within schools must become a priority before it's too late.