A teaching union in Northern Ireland has claimed that more than a quarter of all education staff have been physically assaulted by pupils.
The survey revealed over one third of teachers said they had also been confronted by an aggressive parent.
The study was carried out by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers and questioned over 1,000 staff in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
Over 50% said they had been verbally attacked or intimidated.
650 reported physical attacks including the use of fists and legs.
Incidents of physical attacks were far more prevalent in primary schools, compared with secondary level, and 40% of teachers said they considered leaving the profession due to poor behaviour by their pupils.
