School violence on rise

A teacher was stabbed in the back by a student at Auckland's Avondale College this year. Photo / Martin Sykes

Violent attacks on school staff are on the rise, with 2000 students stood down or suspended over a three-year period.

Figures released under the Official Information Act reveal 621 primary and secondary school students were stood down or suspended in 2005, 645 in 2006 and 651 in 2007.

The Education Ministry would not provide figures for last year and the first part of this year, saying the information was "highly provisional and subject to change".

Christchurch topped the list each year with 136 students stood down or suspended in 2005, 104 in 2006 and 89 in 2007. Manukau and Waitakere were second and third in all three years.

When a student is stood down they are formally removed from the school by the principal for no more than five days in a term or 10 days in a year.

A suspension can only be lifted by the board of trustees.

The increase has caused concern among education groups and a summit was held in March to address behavioural issues. A committee was set up to develop a plan to address those issues.

The results will soon go before Education Minister Anne Tolley, who said the increase in stand downs and suspensions was a "natural concern".

"Although fortunately [violent attacks on teachers] remain relatively rare in New Zealand, those incidents that do occur are, in my view, reflective of social trends generally rather than a particular problem in our schools."

Post Primary Teachers Association president Kate Gainsford said the increase had been a "significant concern" for several years.

Specialist intervention needed by some students was expensive, making it unavailable in some areas.

"We understand that at an academic level but at a practical level these kids are still sitting in classes without the help they need. We know there is an increasing problem with stuff brought in the school gate; family and relationship problems and drug and alcohol factors."

New Zealand Educational Institute president Frances Nelson said any sort of violence in schools was a reflection of society. "You can't isolate the response, it has to be a multi-pronged approach."

Auckland University senior lecturer in forensic and clinical psychology Ian Lambie said stand downs were not always negative. "Many schools use them carefully so that all can draw breath following an incident. It can be non-punitive and helpful."

Lambie said most schools were reluctant to use suspensions.

"They realise while it might make things easier for adults it is damaging for the student. Suspension does not solve the problem, it just shifts the problem to another school, the community, the police, the justice system."

* Shameful roll-call

MARCH 2009

Avondale College, Auckland: Teacher Dave Warren is stabbed in the back by Tae Won Chung, 17. Chung pleaded guilty and is due to be sentenced next month.

DECEMBER 2008

Waitara High School, Taranaki: A 15-year-old girl is suspended after pushing a teacher to the ground and "thumping" her.

AUGUST 2008

Rangiora Borough School, North Canterbury: An 8-year-old boy is suspended after kicking and punching a teacher.

Spotswood College, New Plymouth: A special needs student is stood down after hitting a staff member with a piece of wood.

DECEMBER 2007

Cambridge Middle School, Waikato: A 12-year-old boy punches his teacher in the face and smashes her head into a door. Two days earlier two teachers were assaulted when they tried to stop one student attacking another.