Educational research has long established that achieving positive learning outcomes for students is significantly enhanced through an alignment between home and school.

However, in recent weeks there has been a proliferation of media discussion regarding the deteriorating relationship between parents and schools. Articles about the topic have included horror examples of poor behaviour that has been demonstrated by some parents.

Across the country there has been an increase in violence directed at school staff and also in bullying behaviours both in-person and online.

A relevant article in The Age shared statistics provided by The Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing survey, which suggest that school leaders are far more likely than members of the general public to experience unpleasant behaviour. For instance, survey respondents were 13 times more likely to experience cyberbullying; 10 times more likely to experience physical violence; and 5 times more likely to experience threats of violence. Alarmingly, 63.4% of school leader respondents were subjected to conflicts and quarrels, and 57.4% to gossip and slander.

Another issue has been the misuse of parents’ group chat forums which has seen a surge in unwarranted criticism of school staff members. Cyber safety expert Susan McLean was paraphrased in the article saying that “parents’ group chats had become as potentially harmful in a school community as those used by students, with a sense of impunity developing among users.”

It is asserted that these phenomena have increased since the COVID-19 Pandemic and are replicated in other industries where individuals have become more prone to inflammatory responses to challenges. 

For this reason, supermarkets have placed warning signs that poor behaviour will not be tolerated and a Victorian Government advertising campaign has been launched to address an increase in antisocial behaviour towards workers.

Frank Hardy, who works as an independent mediator between parents and schools, advocates for a $1000 fine that parents would be liable to pay if they defamed teachers or other school leaders. 

When I read of this troubling state of affairs, I am reminded how fortunate I am to belong to the King David School community. Our parent body is well regarded for the gratitude and respect afforded to our staff. I am so pleased that we maintain positive communication between school and home. Our families inherently support our staff and, even in more challenging times, tend to recognise that we are seeking the same thing –  to help our students to develop a range of skills that will allow them to thrive both now and in the future and to achieve to their best capabilities. 

Like every precious feature of our remarkable school, this is something that we cannot take for granted. I implore our parents to strive to maintain the positive regard and conduct towards your children’s educators. In doing so, you both reinforce the level of respect that our teachers’ deserve and help to sustain the culture that you want your child to grow up in.

Shabbat Shalom,
Marc