Workplace violence against K-12 teachers: implementation of preventive programs

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Educational Safety

Background:

• Workplace and school violence are significant concerns requiring a collective effort for reduction.
• Multiple factors, including parental influences, peer pressure, substance abuse, media, and individual student characteristics, are associated with violence against teachers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the complex interplay of factors contributing to school and workplace violence.
• To highlight the potential role of occupational health nurses in developing and implementing violence prevention strategies in educational settings.

Main Methods:

• The study identifies and discusses various contributing factors to school and workplace violence.
• It emphasizes the need for understanding the interaction of these factors.
• It proposes occupational health nurses as key partners in developing prevention programs.

Main Results:

• Violence against teachers results from a complex combination of factors, not a single cause.
• Occupational health nurses possess unique skills for worksite assessments and data analysis relevant to violence prevention.
• Collaboration between occupational health nurses, school nurses, and communities is crucial for effective intervention.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of the interacting factors is essential for effective violence prevention.
• Occupational health nurses are well-positioned to lead and contribute to violence prevention initiatives in schools.
• Expanding the role of occupational health nurses in schools can enhance safety and reduce violence.