NRW Issues New Guidelines for Teachers to Address Rising School Violence

The directive advises teachers to prioritize safety by avoiding escalation, considering educational measures over legal action for minor offenses.

The NRW Ministry of Education has released a comprehensive 15-page guideline to help teachers manage verbal, physical, and psychological violence in schools.
Teachers are instructed to de-escalate confrontations by removing themselves from dangerous situations and using clear verbal commands like 'Halt – Stopp.'
The guideline urges teachers to carefully evaluate whether to file police reports for minor incidents, favoring educational interventions when appropriate.
Proportionality is emphasized, with disciplinary actions tailored to the student's age, developmental stage, and the severity of the incident.
Immediate dismissal is deemed appropriate only for severe cases, such as weapon attacks or coordinated assaults on teachers.