Teachers and school leaders warn that social media is driving an increase in knife violence among students, highlighting urgent safety concerns in schools
Teachers and school leaders are sounding the alarm as social media is linked to a dramatic surge in knife crime among students. Experts caution that the escalating influence of online platforms is not only shaping the behaviour of young people but also posing significant safety challenges in schools. The NASUWT, the Teachers’ Union, is urgently calling for action to address this trend and safeguard students.
Knife crime in the classroom
At the TUC Congress 2025 in Brighton, the Union called for urgent action to tackle the drivers of violence and knife crime in schools, both online and offline. Attendees at the congress heard how social media platforms are being used to promote gang rivalries, glorify violence, and spread fear while schools and communities are left to pick up the pieces.
The Union is calling for stronger regulation of social media platforms, including mandatory reporting, rapid removal of violent content, and real penalties for companies that fail to act. They also emphasise the need to support tech and content moderation workers through union representation and fair working conditions. In addition, urgent investment is needed in youth services, education, mental health support, and community policing, alongside partnerships with community organisations to deliver outreach, education, and digital citizenship programs that help young people navigate online spaces safely.
NASUWT National President Wayne Broom told Congress: “We cannot stand by while likes and shares on violent content translate into blood on our streets. What begins as an online ‘beef’ can spiral into deadly violence. Teachers see this every day.
“Social media gives gangs an unlimited stage to taunt rivals and glamorise weapons. Shame and pride play out in public, and humiliation in a viral video can lead to a knife on the street.
“Austerity has piled on the fuel. Youth services have been stripped away, leaving gangs and online drama to fill the void. If we want to end knife crime, we must give young people hope and alternatives.”
7% of teachers have been threatened with a weapon
NASUWT’s latest Behaviour in Schools report reveals the concerning state of education and crime:
- 7% of teachers have been threatened with a weapon by a pupil; 3% have been assaulted with one
- One teacher was assaulted with a 3×2 length of wood; another was threatened with a knife and told, “I’ll slit your throat”
- 59% of teachers say social media is a driving factor in poor behaviour
- 81% report rising levels of violence and abuse from pupils
- 52% are seriously considering leaving the profession
NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “Teachers are being threatened, assaulted and traumatised—and social media is pouring fuel on the fire.
“The social media giants must be held accountable for the violent content they host and amplify. But this crisis goes deeper. Years of austerity have gutted youth services and left schools without the resources to cope.
“We need urgent action and that means stronger regulation, proper funding, and a national strategy to make schools safe for every child, and every teacher.”
