Rising violence in Czech schools fuels growing fear among teachers

Czech teachers are reporting growing fear of their students as threats, physical assaults, and even attacks with weapons escalate in schools, according to a new survey by Mapa školy released June 2025. The study reveals a sharp rise in aggressive behavior by students and increasing challenges from parents, with many educators citing excessive parental leniency as a root cause.

One in ten teachers now say they are afraid of their pupils, up from about 5 percent four years ago. The survey, which gathered responses from 5,000 teachers across 150 elementary schools, also included feedback from nearly 21,000 students and 25,000 parents.

Anna Tzurna, coordinator of the survey at Scio’s School Map, told iDnes.cz, “The number of teachers who have encountered rude, vulgar behavior from students towards them has increased from 9.7 percent in 2022 to 17 percent this year. Also worrying is the increase in teachers who felt afraid of a student, from 4.6 percent four years ago to almost one in ten this year.”

Teachers report students setting physical traps, throwing snowballs, making sexual insinuations (3.1 percent of teachers), or filming staff without consent (5.3 percent). One teacher described being threatened by ninth graders who warned her of consequences if she tried to discipline them. Another school headmaster recounted persistent student pranks and a lack of support from management, which ultimately led to his departure after years of service.

The survey also found an alarming rise in conflicts involving parents. Tzurna noted nearly 13 percent of teachers had felt fear of a parent in the last two years, and fewer teachers feel supported by school management in addressing these issues compared to previous years.

Prevention expert Petra Grabačová attributed some of the problems to “excessive benevolence” from parents toward their children, which can undermine discipline and respect for authority. She advised teachers to set clear rules with a kind but firm approach, emphasizing cooperation with families.

The Czech School Inspectorate’s 2022/23 report confirms increased aggression: physical aggression occurred in nearly 7 percent of schools, while verbal aggression was reported in over 40 percent.

As schools seek solutions, some are considering formal “contracts” with problematic students to improve behavior and school climate.