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ACU research reveals the $206m cost of offensive behaviours on school leaders

Violence in Australian schools is costing the education sector an estimated $206 million per year, a national new report from the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University has revealed.

The report, Unveiling the Ripple Effect: How Offensive Behaviours Impact School Leaders’ Productivity, highlights the widespread and costly impact bullying, threats and aggression has on Australia’s school leaders.

School leaders across all sectors are averaging at least $25,495 per year in lost productivity based on an estimate of income, hours worked, and time spent dealing with offensive behaviours including physical violence, threats, bullying, and sexual harassment.

Lead author and school wellbeing expert Professor Theresa Dicke from ACU's Institute for Positive Psychology and Education said 93.5% of school leaders surveyed experienced offensive behaviours in the past year, with nearly 70% facing three or more types.

Professor Dicke said school leaders spend much of their time on conflict management rather than educational leadership resulting in an estimated $206 million annual loss in productivity for the education sector.

“This report shines a light on an issue that has too often been normalised in Australian schools - the growing prevalence and impact of offensive behaviours directed at school leaders,” she said.

“Right across the nation, our school leaders are facing increasing levels of aggression, hostility, and abuse from a range of sources, particularly parents and students and the personal cost is high.

“Many reported stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and feelings of fear or isolation which are taking a significant toll on their wellbeing, effectiveness, and the overall health of school communities.”

Nine out of ten school leaders surveyed encountered offensive behaviours in the past year with the majority facing multiple types. Most incidents are perpetrated by parents and students.

Conflict, gossip and slander, physical violence, threats and cyberbullying were the top five offensive behaviours identified.

Professor Dicke said these were linked to significant declines in productivity, wellbeing, and job satisfaction among principals and senior school staff.

The report also highlights the personal cost to school leaders, including increased stress, burnout, sleep problems and negative impacts on family life.

The report recommends:

1. A national offensive behaviours response framework: Standardising prevention, reporting, and support procedures across all states and sectors.
2. Preventative psychological support programs: Including annual wellbeing check-ins and trauma-informed counselling for school leaders.
3. Professional supervision and reflective practice: Embedding regular supervision and peer support into leadership development.
4. Dedicated wellbeing roles in schools: Appointing trained coordinators to manage incidents and support staff.
5. Stronger legal protections: Amending laws to explicitly protect school leaders from workplace aggression.
6. A national “Respect for Education” campaign: Promoting respect for educators through public messaging and community engagement.
7. Ongoing monitoring and evaluationof offensive behaviours: Tracking trends and policy impacts through national surveys and public reporting.

“Offensive behaviours towards school leaders are not isolated incidents,” Professor Dicke said.

“They are an ongoing challenge with damaging personal, professional, and economic consequences. We need coordinated, national action to protect and support our school leaders.”

She called on policymakers, education departments, and the broader community to adopt the listed recommendations, emphasising that supporting school leaders is essential for the health and success of Australia’s education system.