Germany reports rising violence against teachers

Recent data from the Police Crime Statistics (PKS) in Germany indicate a steady increase in violence against teachers. Tomi Neckov, federal chairman of the VBE, described the development as alarming, noting that more incidents against educators were registered in 2024 than in the previous year.

Representative surveys conducted by the VBE suggest that a large portion of schools have experienced physical or psychological violence against teachers over the last five years. The scope of these incidents has expanded to include increasing instances of cyberbullying, which occurs outside the traditional classroom setting.

The VBE is calling for more than symbolic politics, demanding clear responsibilities, rapid support, and effective protection concepts. Proposed measures include prevention programs, training for conflict management, and a culture that refuses to trivialize assaults against public service employees in schools.