Teachers' Association Urges Action Over Rising Pupil Violence
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Berlin, April 16, 2026 — The German Teachers' Association (DL) is calling for immediate measures after a rise in violence against teachers, with police recording about 1,300 cases of bodily harm at schools in 2024, up from roughly 700–1,000 in earlier years.
DL President Stefan Dull told broadcaster ZDF that incidents range from verbal abuse and slander to outright physical attacks. He said insults in school corridors have become particularly common. While special education schools are hardest hit, Dull stressed the problem affects the whole school system.
Dull attributed the trend to several factors, including violent behaviour in the home, the influence of social media and negative public role models — citing figures such as US President Donald Trump as an example. He also pointed to wider societal shifts, noting rising aggression in areas like sport and an increase in attacks on emergency workers and politicians.
To counter disrespect and aggression, the teachers’ association wants schools to respond more decisively. Proposed measures include deploying more social workers in schools and investing in relationship-building with pupils to prevent escalation and address underlying issues.