By Sophie Kerr

The rise of violence in schools is rapidly increasing with aggression towards staff and pupils. They are dealing with incidents of sexism, verbal abuse and physical violence. A survey took place that revealed 67% of teachers and support workers experienced verbal abuse from pupils.

Anti-social behaviour is a huge problem in schools. As these pupils are misbehaving it’s affecting all pupils in class due to teaching being interrupted due to issues arising, students’ ability to learn is declining, contributing to Scotland’s reduction in international education standards. There has been a significant drop of scores in a range of subjects in schools particularly in maths, literacy and science with all seeing around a 30 point drop in attainment.

COVID-19 factors into the reasons behind behavioural problems in schools, especially in those moving from primary to secondary school, as it was disrupted due to lockdown. Pupils never got the chance to socialise with other students, due to this, many students now have mental health problems and struggle with things like anxiety and behavioural issues.

Primary school students walking to school via Getty Images

Attacks in Scottish schools have risen as Scotland is seen to have the most violent schools in the UK, with most incidents happening in Aberdeen with anti-social behaviour going from 300 incidents in 2018/19 to 1,100 incidents in 2024/25 school year.

Over three months more than 60 pupils were caught trying to take weapons into schools: knives, razors, scissors and corkscrews. There was a report that revealed there were 63 weaponed incidents in schools from April to June 2025, 34 of these were of possession, with the other 29 incidents involving weapons. Eleven of these took place in primary schools.

High school kids studying via Getty Images

Many female teachers have reported being physically assaulted by students, the growing misogyny faced by female teachers is on the up rise after male social media influencers like Andrew Tate are shaping young boys’ minds.

The Scottish government have launched a plan from 2024 until 2027 to ensure a safe and consistent environment for all. Under the government’s plan there is eight themes to help insure more safe schools for students and teachers. Identifying support in school will help as pupils being given an authoritative approach isn’t helping reach the root of the problem.

Examining the rise of violent behaviour in secondary schools