MORE than nine in 10 teachers in Scotland have seen a rise in violent and abusive behaviour over the last year, according to a new report.

The survey by the NASUWT teaching union also found that 39 per cent of its 358 respondents had experienced physical violence over the last year including being spat at, headbutted, punched and kicked or even having furniture thrown at them.

Verbal abuse has also been reported to have risen, with a staggering 94 per cent of teachers experiencing abuse and threats from pupils.

Members told the survey that this was leading to a loss of confidence in the classroom: as many as 46 per cent of teachers are seriously considering leaving the profession as a result.

Mike Corbett, NASUWT national official for Scotland, said: “We have been highlighting for some time to government the need for greater action to protect teachers from violence and to address the root causes of the rise in abuse from pupils.

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