A new study
of classroom behaviour has found a steady increase in problem behaviour by
children, including kicking and punching of teachers.

According
to The Irish Independent, teachers often feel helpless. One teacher told the
study of a pupil who “would scream and shout, push children out of the way and
she would hit children.”

Another
referred to a boy who had been violent to children and adults.

The teacher
said: “Numerous teachers I’d say at this stage have gotten kicked and punched
when he lashes out.”

The report
states: “The daily incidence of low level problem, class behaviours, coupled
with occasionally but highly disruptive physical aggression from some pupils,
were reported to have a negative impact upon teachers”.

The study
was carried out in 11 schools in the Limerick area by a team headed by Dr
Sinead McGilloway from NUI Maynooth.

She said
Irish classrooms had seen a steady increase in problem behaviour in recent
years.

Limerick
city has the one of the lowest rates of marital families in the country.

(Photo modelled)