Berlin, April 16, 2026 — Violence against teachers in Germany is increasing, prompting urgent calls for action from the German Teachers’ Association (DL). Police figures show about 1,300 cases of bodily harm recorded at schools in 2024, up from roughly 700–1,000 in previous years.

DL President Stefan Dull told broadcaster ZDF the incidents range from verbal abuse and slander to physical attacks. He said the rise in insults in corridors is particularly noticeable and that while special education schools are hit hardest, the problem occurs across the entire school system.

Dull pointed to a mix of causes: violent behaviour at home, the influence of social media, and negative public role models, naming US President Donald Trump as an example. He also cited broader societal trends, noting increasing aggression in areas such as sport and a rise in attacks on emergency workers and politicians.

To counter disrespectful and aggressive behaviour, the teachers’ association is urging stronger responses from schools. Proposals include more social workers in schools and a greater focus on building relationships with pupils to prevent escalation and address underlying issues.

April 16, 2026

Germany’s leading teachers’ association has warned of a rising tide of violence against school staff and urged urgent measures to tackle the problem.

Police data show about 1,300 cases of bodily harm were recorded at schools in 2024, up from roughly 700 to 1,000 cases a year in previous years. Stefan Dull, president of the German Teachers’ Association (DL), said incidents range from verbal abuse to physical attacks and described the trend as alarming.

Dull said slander and insults in school corridors have increased noticeably, and violence among pupils is also growing. While special education schools are particularly affected, he said such problems occur across the school system.

He pointed to multiple contributing factors, including violence in the home, the influence of social media, and negative public role models. Dull also noted a broader societal trend toward aggression, citing similar behavior in areas such as sports and attacks on emergency workers and politicians.

To counter the rise in disrespectful and violent behavior, the DL called for stronger responses from schools. Dull recommended more social workers in schools and a greater focus on building relationships with students as key steps to prevent escalation and support safer learning environments.