Violence and offensive behaviours in Australian schools are draining an estimated $206 million from the education sector each year, according to new research from Australian Catholic University.
The report, released by ACU’s Institute for Positive Psychology and Education in December, examined how bullying, threats and aggression affect school leaders’ productivity nationwide.
Widespread impact across all sectors
School leaders are losing an average of $25,495 a year in productivity as they manage incidents of physical violence, threats, bullying, and sexual harassment rather than focusing on educational leadership, the research found.
Lead author professor Theresa Dicke (pictured) said the study showed 93.5% of school leaders surveyed had experienced offensive behaviours in the past year, with nearly 70% facing three or more types of incidents.
“This report shines a light on an issue that has too often been normalised in Australian schools – the growing prevalence and impact of offensive behaviours directed at school leaders,” Dicke said.
Parents and students primary perpetrators
The research, titled Unveiling the Ripple Effect: How Offensive Behaviours Impact School Leaders’ Productivity, found nine in 10 school leaders encountered offensive behaviours in the past year, with most incidents perpetrated by parents and students.
Conflict, gossip and slander, physical violence, threats, and cyberbullying emerged as the five most common offensive behaviours identified in the study.
“Right across the nation, our school leaders are facing increasing levels of aggression, hostility, and abuse from a range of sources, particularly parents and students, and the personal cost is high,” Dicke said.
Mental health consequences documented
The report documented significant declines in productivity, wellbeing, and job satisfaction among principals and senior school staff who experienced offensive behaviours.
“Many reported stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and feelings of fear or isolation, which are taking a significant toll on their wellbeing, effectiveness, and the overall health of school communities,” Dicke said.
The research also highlighted negative impacts on school leaders’ family lives and higher rates of burnout.
Seven recommendations for action
The report outlined seven key recommendations, including establishing a national offensive behaviours response framework, expanding preventative psychological support programs, and launching a national “Respect for Education” campaign.
“Offensive behaviours towards school leaders are not isolated incidents,” Dicke said. “They are an ongoing challenge with damaging personal, professional and economic consequences. We need coordinated, national action to protect and support our school leaders.”
The researchers called on policymakers and education departments to adopt the recommendations to protect Australia’s education system.