The Teachers’ Union NASUWT has issued a stark warning that social media is fuelling a rise in youth violence, including knife crime, with teachers increasingly dealing with the fallout in their classrooms.
At the TUC Congress 2025, the union will demand immediate action to address the root causes of violence and knife crime in schools, both online and offline.
Delegates at today’s gathering in Brighton will learn about how social media platforms are being exploited to escalate gang rivalries, glorify violence, and spread fear, leaving schools and communities to deal with the aftermath.
In a motion set for debate at the Congress, the union is advocating for stricter regulation of social media platforms, including mandatory reporting, swift removal of violent content, and substantial penalties for non-compliance.
It also seeks support for tech and content moderation workers through union representation and fair conditions.
Furthermore, it is calling for urgent investment in youth services, education, mental health support, community policing and partnerships with community organisations to deliver outreach, education, and digital citizenship programmes.
NASUWT National President Wayne Broom will tell Congress today: “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 h.
Humiliation in a viral video can escalate to knife crime on the streets. “Austerity has added fuel to the fire. Youth services have been stripped bare, leaving gangs and online drama to fill the void. If we want to end knife crime, we must offer young people hope and alternatives,” says NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack.
He further adds: “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.”
Findings from NASUWT’s latest Behaviour in Schools report reveal shocking statistics: 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.