Eamonn Holmes has opened up on the strict physical punishment he received as a school boy to maintain discipline, amid growing concerns over classroom violence.
Teachers across the UK are grappling with increasing concerns over classroom behaviour and violence.
Teachers at Kirkintilloch High School in East Dunbartonshire are set to take industrial action today, over what they describe as a culture of abuse from pupils.
Speaking on GB News about his own school days, Eamonn said: “One of the reasons violence and disrespect against teachers didn’t happen was that we were physically punished.
Eamonn Holmes opened up about the physical violence he recieved at school
GB News
“Well, we would have been caned, strapped, punched, hit, ears pulled, whatever it happened to be.
“And that was all by the teachers. You just knew you did not cross that line.”
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“I mean it was a very formal, very strict school I went to and the teachers and we were taught by a lot of priests, and they got tremendous respect as as a result of it.
“Teachers don’t have the ability to physically do anything now.”
According to the NASUWT teaching union, teachers today regularly face swearing and violence, while pupils are allowed to “roam around” corridors during class time.
The union claims staff face “no serious consequences” for abusive behaviour, with restorative approaches being overused.
Teachers in Scotland are striking due to the violent classrooms
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Mike Corbett, Scotland national official for the NASUWT, said: “Members feel blamed and gaslit by management for the poor behaviour of pupils.”
Teachers report being told during debriefing meetings that their lessons are “not fun or engaging enough.”
“A culture where there are no consequences for poor behaviour is not setting up pupils well for adult life and fails the employers’ duty of care towards its staff,” Corbett added.
Willgoose, 15, died after being stabbed at school in SheffieldFacebook
The strike comes after Harvey Willgoose, 15, died earlier this week after being stabbed All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on Monday.
Another 15-year-old arrested has been arrested by police on suspicion of murder.
Paying tribute to Willgoose, his family said they are “utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful boy”.