NLTA launches "Not Okay" campaign amid an increase in violence at schools

Recent stats from various sources reveals an increase in the average number of reported violent incidents per day in schools, from 20 per day in the 2018-19 school year to 29 per day in just the first two months of 2023-24.

The head of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association believes education deserves more attention especially after last week’s provincial budget speech. Trent Langdon held a media availability on facebook this morning. He hears from members on a daily basis about their concerns and struggles in the field and says recent stats from various sources reveals an increase in the average number of reported violent incidents per day in schools, from 20 per day in the 2018-19 school year to 29 per day in just the first two months of 2023-24. When you take some time to consider that data, the trend is troubling. Looking at the English K-12 system alone, in 2018-19, there were 3,562 reported violent incidents during the 185 teaching days of that school year. For the first two months of the current school year, 997 violent incidents were reported over a period of just 38 teaching days. Langdon launched a campaign called “Not Okay” saying it was time to do more to raise awareness of the hidden reality in our schools and the significant issues impacting students, teachers and other staff. Langdon says class sizes need to be acceptable and this is about supporting kids where they are, but sometimes alternate settings are needed.  The NLTA represents more than 6,500 teachers in this province.