Threats by the thousands and injuries: CT teachers facing increased student aggression in schools - Hartford Courant

Livi Stanford

October 28, 2025

Read the full article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/threats-by-the-thousands-and-injuries-ct-teachers-facing-increased-student-aggression-in-schools/ar-AA1Pkt9b?ocid=BingNewsVerp&cvid=958b5840e6fd49fcd75564eb4839ba17&ei=24

A recent Hartford Courant article sheds light on an escalating challenge facing educators across Connecticut: the sharp rise in aggressive and disruptive behavior among students. Teachers and education advocates describe it as the most urgent issue in schools today, with reports of verbal threats, physical altercations, and emotional outbursts becoming alarmingly common.

According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the 2023–24 school year saw a 44% increase in physical and verbal confrontations, totaling more than 30,000 incidents statewide—an average of 166 per school day. Nearly 7% of all students faced suspension or expulsion during the same period.

Educators point to a combination of factors fueling this crisis, including lingering effects of the pandemic, emotional dysregulation, and the pervasive influence of technology. Teachers report evacuating classrooms due to safety threats, experiencing direct verbal or physical attacks, and feeling increased stress and burnout as a result.

Wellmore Behavioral Health CEO Gary Steck emphasized the connection between student behavior and broader mental health struggles. “Almost every day we hear from educators who have been hit or injured,” Steck said. “Many believed the mental health surge during COVID would fade—but that hasn’t been the case. We’re particularly seeing more physical behavior among younger elementary students.”

Steck added that cell phone bans in some districts have led to a decline in fights, suggesting that technology use plays a role in emotional regulation. He also noted that family stress and anxiety often mirror what’s happening with children: “If parents are struggling and anxious, kids are struggling and anxious.”

Educators and policymakers are now focusing on solutions, including new school climate legislation requiring every district to implement policies for addressing challenging behaviors and supporting mental health. Leaders across the state agree that helping students build coping skills and ensuring adults—teachers, parents, and community partners—work together will be key to creating safer, more supportive learning environments.

View the full article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/threats-by-the-thousands-and-injuries-ct-teachers-facing-increased-student-aggression-in-schools/ar-AA1Pkt9b?ocid=BingNewsVerp&cvid=958b5840e6fd49fcd75564eb4839ba17&ei=24

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