Data reveals level of violence, threats in Nova Scotia classrooms
HALIFAX — Students commit, incite or threaten some form of physical violence an average of about 1,100 times a month at Nova Scotia’s schools, prompting teachers to call for more support staff and a clearer discipline process.
The data, obtained through freedom of information legislation, includes reported incidents at 400 schools, using the province’s definition of violence as “using force, gesturing, or inciting others to use force to injure a member of the school community.”
In the 2015-16 school year, there were a total of 11,740 cases, and in the first seven months of the current year there were 7,515 cases, according to the data provided.
The Education Department declined to provide an official to do an interview, but sent emailed comments indicating many of the incidents don’t result in harm and a large percentage are young children who are kicking, throwing rocks or pushing in elementary schools.