Nearly three-quarters of educators have experienced bullying

Nearly three-quarters of educators surveyed have encountered bullying in their lives, either as a victim or a perpetrator, a University of Tartu study has found. The experience also affects how they view their workplace, ERR reported.

The researchers assessed four aspects of the psychosocial work environment: predictability, clarity of roles, management quality and social support. They focused on these areas because bullying is a social phenomenon connected to relationships, said Minni Aia-Utsal, one of the study’s authors.

Teachers and social pedagogues who had not experienced bullying gave the highest ratings across all four areas. The lowest ratings came from staff who had been bullied both at school and at work.

Educators who had experienced bullying only at school gave more positive assessments. Aia-Utsal said supportive colleagues and positive workplace relationships can help people move on from earlier negative experiences.

The study used a questionnaire, so its findings reflect participants’ subjective assessments of their work environments. Aia-Utsal said bullying in schools can come from parents, colleagues or students.

She said school leaders and employers have an important role in preventing bullying and supporting teachers and other staff. Schools should have support systems and ways to help educators who experience bullying, she said.