Concerns rise among teachers in Iceland over surge in student violence and lack of protection

Concerns are rising among teachers in Iceland regarding an increase in reports of violence among children and youth. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in serious incidents, including students bringing weapons such as knives and hammers to school. Teachers who experience violence from students do not have employer-backed insurance to cover damages and must pursue legal action against the parents to seek compensation.

Between 2022 and 2023, reports from schools regarding such violence increased by over 14%. In 2018, there were 572 notifications of children exhibiting violent behavior, which escalated to 1,072 by 2023. A recent report from the Icelandic government emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach and strong inter-agency collaboration to address this issue.

The Minister of Education and Children, Ásmundur Einar Daðason, announced 14 proposed actions following the report, aimed at combating the rising trend of violence in schools across Iceland. Plans include enhancing preventive measures and uniting diverse service providers to tackle this growing concern.

Teacher Soffía Ámundadóttir pointed out the urgent need for awareness to counter the increasing culture of violence in schools. She noted that while teachers are covered for workplace injuries, when assaulted by a student, they find themselves needing to initiate legal proceedings against parents to recover damages.

Teachers express anxiety about their job security if they face violence from students. There are accounts of teachers suffering permanent injuries, with some requiring multiple surgeries. Soffía argued that discussions about teachers’ protection should feature prominently in forthcoming contract negotiations, highlighting that the safety and well-being of educators are vital in fostering a secure learning environment for students.