School problems on the rise: vandalism and violence alarm teachers!

School problems on the rise: vandalism and violence alarm teachers!

Today, November 3, 2025, the new OECD study TALIS 2024 will be published, which deals with the school climate in Austria. Loud 5min.at 96 percent of teachers in Austria are satisfied with the school climate. Nevertheless, the results of the current survey show a worrying increase in vandalism, violence and problem behavior among students compared to the 2018 surveys.

What is particularly alarming is that 9 percent of teachers regularly report vandalism or theft at their schools, compared to just under 2 percent in 2018. Additionally, 3 percent of teachers report frequent violence between students, also an increase from 1 percent five years ago. Additionally, 2 percent of teachers reported drug or alcohol use among students, a doubling compared to 0.6 percent in 2018.

Increase in behavioral problems

The study also shows that 4 percent of teachers report regular intimidation or insults toward school staff, without providing a comparison figure for 2018. Behavior is particularly concerning in middle schools, where 18 percent of teachers report that over 30 percent of their students have behavioral problems. In contrast, only 6 percent of general secondary schools (AHS) report students with behavioral problems.

Classroom disruptions are rated as a common problem by 29 percent of teachers, a significant increase from 22 percent in 2018. In addition, 50 percent of teachers feel burdened by disruptive behavior, an increase of 36 percent. It is mainly new teachers who suffer from stress due to discipline problems; almost two thirds of this group of teachers report such difficulties.

Bullying and its effects

The situation is further complicated by bullying statistics. 21 percent of teachers say bullying or intimidation occurs weekly at their school. Students from urban areas or from socioeconomically disadvantaged families are particularly affected. Nevertheless, almost all teachers report that their schools have a zero-tolerance attitude towards bullying. Nevertheless, 39 percent of teachers recognize bullying as a problem in their schools. Over 90 percent of teachers also say that children turn to the teaching staff when they have problems.

An international comparison shows that the proportion of bullying in schools varies greatly, from almost zero to 40 percent in different countries. This new study highlights the urgent need for action to improve the school climate in Austria and to protect students.

In a completely different area, Randy Arozarena, a Cuban-Mexican baseball player, is known for his impressive athletic achievements. Arozarena, who was born in Cuba on February 28, 1995, played for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball (MLB), among others. He rose to fame after hitting a record 10 home runs in a single postseason in 2020 and being named ALCS MVP. In a career that has seen notable success over the years, Arozarena was again voted an All-Star in 2025 after previously playing for the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals. His career is an inspiring example of perseverance and talent in the sports world, having defected to the United States from Cuba in 2015 and eventually playing internationally for Mexico. Although his personal story is marked by challenges, such as a short-term arrest in Mexico in 2020, he remains a prominent figure in baseball.

In summary, the TALIS 2024 study reveals alarming trends in the school sector, while equally inspiring stories like Arozarena's show how people can achieve success despite adversity through hard work and determination.