More than a third of SA school principals were violently attacked last year, survey shows

MORE than a third of the state’s school principals suffered violence at the hands of students, parents or others last year, a report shows.

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MORE than a third of the state’s school principals suffered violence at the hands of students, parents or others last year, a report shows.

Results of an annual survey on the health and wellbeing of thousands of school leaders around the country have prompted calls for an independent authority to investigate the violence, threats and bullying they face.

In South Australia, 37 per cent of principals were violently attacked in 2017, up slightly from the previous year and the highest level recorded since the Australian Catholic University research began in 2011.

The rate is higher than NSW, Victoria and Queensland but lower than WA and Tasmania.

The survey also revealed 42 per cent of SA principals and deputies are threatened with violence, 38 per cent are bullied and more than half were victims of slander and gossip.

Nationally, school leaders are at least 10 times more likely to be victims of workplace violence than the general population. They are about four times more likely to be attacked by students than parents, while the source of violent threats are evenly split between students and adults. Rates of violence are twice as high in public schools than in Catholic schools, while independent school leaders were far less likely to report being victims.

Nationally, school leaders are at least 10 times more likely to be victims of workplace violence than the general population.

Parents are the worst bullies, followed by subordinate staff.

Study leader Professor Phil Riley said there was an “urgent need” for an independent authority. “The challenge is there to deal with this on a more systematic basis so that educators have the knowledge and skills to better manage the demanding and emotional aspects of their role,” he said.

The report also details the problems of growing workloads. Principals suffer from stress, burnout, sleep problems and depression much more than the general population.

Acting SA Primary Principals Association president Julie Hayes, pictured, said aggression levels were rising and the survey results would deter aspiring leaders. “There is a clear need for a consistent national response,” she said.

The SA Education Department said a specialist team to help principals deal with threats and violence by adults had been created this year, making it easier to ban offenders from school grounds. It said a $19 million program to improve student behaviour included support for those suffering severe trauma and 10 extra behaviour coaches.