Teachers' drastic idea to curb classroom violence

Trials have take place in the United States and United Kingdom, but the idea has divided teachers in Australia.

Aussie teachers are calling for body cameras to be part of their daily uniforms in a bid to combat escalating violence in the classroom.

9News reports the push has come from a group of Queensland teachers in response to data that shows 20,000 students in the state were expelled or suspended for physical violence last year.

Any trial for teacher-worn body cameras would allow teachers to capture violent behaviour from their students, and help parents understand what educators face in the classroom.

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“Teachers are being physically and verbally abused every day, and that’s not okay,” Queensland Education Minister Di Farmer said.

“Desks are being thrown at them, chairs, they’re being punched and spat on,” Teachers’ Professional Association of Queensland national coordinator Scott Stanford said.

9News reports body cameras are being trialled at schools in both the United States and United Kingdom, however the suggestion has divided opinions in Australia.

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"We think this would be a bridge too far"

Some people claim the legal and cost ramifications are too great, while others say body cameras won’t fix the core problem.

“We’re really concerned about privacy of our students and our staff, and this would be a bridge too far we think,” Queensland Association of State School Principals president Pat Murphy told 9News.

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“It’s part of of a possible or potential solution, but there’s a lot to be considered before you go down that road,” Queensland Teachers Union president Cresta Richards said.

“If it’s something the teachers are requiring to protect themselves, then I’m all for it,” Mr Stanford said.

The Queensland education department has a “range of suggestions” that will be put to an expert group looking into a potential trial.

Originally published as Teachers' drastic idea to curb classroom violence