The NASUWT, one of the largest teaching unions, has called these figures “shocking” amid a rise in physical and verbal assaults in Scottish schools. This reality has led to immediate calls to action. A new poll by the National Education Union shows a deeply worrying pattern emerging amongst students. It indicates both an increase in hate speech and abusive behavior. NASUWT President David Anderson is scheduled to address these critical issues at the union’s annual conference in Glasgow, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced measures against online extremism.
During his keynote address, Anderson will highlight issues of increasing anti-racism and anti-misogyny in schools. He noted a distinct uptick in derogatory conduct directed at women on staff. He thinks that this trend is a product of the increased impact of extremist males supercharged by their influence on young male students. The NASUWT conference will be debating a motion that should echo teachers’ disillusionment. Here, they are especially worried about the new normalization of language derivatives from far-right/binding extremist actors — including key actors like Andrew Tate, major public figures.
Anderson emphasized the wider societal implications of this trend. He wrote, “The impact of these changes in society at large is being expressed through the changing behaviour in classrooms of children and their parents/carers. He further criticized the impact of politicians who propagate abusive rhetoric, asserting that such language is trickling down into schools and fueling hate speech and violence.
Recent events in Richmond have only added to this concern. Four of the boys’ essays glorified Andrew Tate’s ideology and even echoed his disturbing view that women are “a man’s property.” This is an example of how extremist ideologies can invade our schools and spark hateful and dangerous behavior in students.
Police Scotland’s innovative response to these challenges was to launch a new 10-year all-equals approach strategy in early 2023. This campaign seeks to stop violence against women and girls and has specific provisions to incels (involuntary celibates). The Scottish government has made commitments to create “safe and consistent learning environments” for both pupils and staff. According to a spokesperson, the Scottish government is increasing its efforts to provide guidance and assistance on a national level. In conjunction with this, they are bringing forward the National Behaviour Action Plan.
Anderson stressed the critical nature of the issue, explaining that in recent years, we have seen “devastating spikes in hate crimes.” He called for more vigorous action to address these issues. He especially focused on the negative impact that social media has had in exacerbating the use of abusive language.
The NASUWT is preparing for their annual conference. It is evident that combating hate speech and fostering a culture of respect in schools outweighs free speech. The union’s survey findings should be a wakeup call to educators, policymakers, and society as a whole. We cannot afford not to address these urgent issues.
