Violence toward Quebec support staff in schools tripled in last 4 years, union says

Violent incidents targeting support staff at Quebec schools have tripled in the last four years. That's according to the union representing workers like special education technicians and attendance for students with disabilities. The union says that according to data collected from school service centers, there were almost 30,000 violent incidents including kicking, punching and biting in the 2025-2026 school year. It says special education technicians who support students with behavioral or learning difficulties were the most frequent victims, with protective gear like helmets and shin guards becoming essential. We clearly see that there is an increase, a real progression that is extremely urgent and preoccupying. Quebec teachers have also noted the trend. In a 2025 survey carried out by the FAE Teachers Union, most respondents said they experienced some form of violence at work. So there's, of course, many, many, many reasons. Matea Dixon helps parents navigate Quebec's specialized education system. She says that cuts to the education sector mean staff can't always give adequate attention to the students who need it the most. Behavior is a form of communication. So if these students are acting out or lashing out or committing these violent acts, yes, there is indeed something missing. The Association of School Principals says that students' needs are also evolving. AI and social media are changing how they learn. It says that school staff and teachers aren't always trained to handle that or intervene when a student is struggling. They're learning it while they're teaching. It's not the time to do it. They should know it before they get on the market working. He says it's up to the provincial government to make that training mandatory before new teachers begin their careers. In a statement, Education Minister Joël Arsenault says that his office is collecting all available data on violence in schools in Quebec and that he's working with school service centers to find solutions.