Overview

• The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has called for new legal powers allowing teachers to require parents to engage with schools over their children's disruptive behavior.
• The think tank highlights a 'crisis' in school safety and discipline, with surveys revealing widespread classroom disruptions and concerns over bullying and violence.
• TBI suggests policies similar to those addressing truancy, including potential fines and referrals to social services for uncooperative parents.
• The report links improved behavior to better academic outcomes and argues that current challenges are contributing to teacher burnout and retention issues.
• Critics, including teaching unions, warn that the proposals could strain school resources, harm parent-teacher relationships, and overlook the need for broader social and mental health support.