Rising violence in schools: support staff sound the alarm

Rising violence in schools: support staff sound the alarm

The Cœur-des-Vallées Support Staff Union is sounding the alarm over a worrying rise in violence in schools. According to an internal survey, 62% of its members report having experienced physical violence in the course of their work—a rate considered twice as high as the provincial average.

The testimonies collected describe serious situations: biting, death threats, and classrooms that are sometimes completely trashed. These are working conditions that the union describes as “unacceptable” and which raise serious concerns about staff safety.

Support staff, which includes special education teachers, supervisors, and educational technicians, play an essential role in supporting students. However, many employees say they find themselves on the front lines facing violent or difficult-to-manage behavior, often without sufficient resources.

In light of the situation, the union is calling on the Quebec government to intervene quickly to strengthen safety measures in schools. In particular, it is demanding more support, training, and resources to prevent incidents and ensure the safety of staff and students.

According to union representatives, the current situation jeopardizes not only workers but also the stability of the school system as a whole.

The union points out that support staff play an essential role in working with young people, particularly those with special needs. It believes that without rapid improvements in working conditions, staff retention could become a major issue in the education system.

Despite the measures taken by the government in recent years, violence against school support staff continues to rise.