Teachers facing rise in 'threats, verbal attacks and online abuse' from parents

Teachers in Scotland are being subjected to a surge in abuse, threats and malicious complaints from parents, a union has warned.

NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union says staff are increasingly facing verbal attacks, online harassment and even covert recording, alongside a rise in “vexatious complaints” from parents and carers.

The union reports that some parents are using tools such as AI and social media to make accusations against teachers, with minor issues escalating into formal complaints.

The increasing use of online platforms and group chats is also thought to be contributing to the rise in complaints, making it easier for grievances to be amplified.

The issue will be raised at NASUWT Scotland’s annual conference in Clydebank on Friday and Saturday, where teachers are expected to call on COSLA and local authorities to introduce clearer guidelines for handling complaints from parents and carers.

They are also urging councils to take action where there is evidence that complaints are vexatious or malicious.

Matt Wrack, NASUWT general secretary, said: “Parents absolutely have the right to complain to their child’s school if they have a concern.

“However, we are increasingly receiving reports from teachers that they are facing verbal abuse, being targeted on social media and being covertly recorded by some parents unhappy at some aspect of their children’s experience at school.

“Minor problems that would have previously been addressed between teachers and parents with little fuss are increasingly being escalated by parents and blown up online and in group chats.

“This is all causing stress and significant harm to staff welfare and wellbeing.

“We believe the time has come for action from COSLA and local authorities to protect teachers from abuse from parents and from complaints that are malicious or vexatious.”

Mike Corbett, NASUWT Scotland National Official, said: “The ease with which parents can air their views on social media or in group chats and the normalisation of filming and recording in public spaces has undoubtedly contributed to the increase in complaints and abusive behaviour from parents.

“But teachers are also increasingly taking the blame from frustrated parents for problems which often stem from a lack of funding and resources in our schools.

“Teachers are being sworn at, having their professional abilities derided and accusations made about their personal lives and conduct.

“We need better systems for handling complaints to ensure that parents are not able to abuse the complaints process and to make sure that teachers receive the backing and protection from harassment they have a right to expect from their employer.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scotland’s schools should be safe and consistent learning environments for everyone.

“As previously stated, regulatory responsibility for social media lies with the UK Government.Ministers have been clear that providers have a responsibility to enforce their own policies on harmful online content.

“The Scottish Government has also engaged with UK Ministers and Ofcom to strengthen online protections for children in the Online Safety Act 2023 and will continue to keep the effectiveness of these measures under review.”