NASUWT warns of rising teacher burnout amid debates on online content, school violence, and student wellbeing in the UK.
The UK government is implementing new guidance to make schools phone-free throughout the day, including lessons and breaks. The aim is to improve discipline and learning, with a focus on reducing social media and gaming distractions. Schools will also be encouraged to use structured internal suspensions for non-violent behaviour.
Recent data shows over 5,200 incidents of violence against teachers in Scotland from 2019 to 2025, with hundreds requiring hospital treatment. Critics blame the SNP government’s guidance discouraging exclusions, which they say has led to increased assaults and declining discipline in schools.
A London primary teacher was found guilty of inappropriate conduct involving pupils, including sending secret notes and asking a pupil on a date. Meanwhile, debates over AI's role in education continue, with concerns about its impact on critical thinking and resource allocation in UK schools.
The UK government has announced that existing guidance on mobile phone restrictions in schools will be made statutory. This move formalises policies most schools already enforce, aiming to strengthen child safeguarding legislation amid ongoing debates about technology's impact on young people. The legislation is part of broader child protection reforms.