Typical teacher has £3,000 worth of damage caused to classrooms every year
THE typical teacher sees six chairs, five desks and four whiteboards damaged in their classrooms each year – contributing to an annual bill of nearly £3000.
A study of 500 secondary school educators discovered the result of clumsy – or sometimes intentional – student mishaps, including three windows being smashed annually.
The results also revealed three doors get damaged and five computers and laptops need replacing or fixing.
While 67 per cent claimed the harm caused to their school is typically accidental, 58 per cent have witnessed deliberate destruction.
A spokesperson for computer manufacturer ASUS, which commissioned the study, said: “The stats really sum up the damage caused by kids in school, whether it’s expensive tech items or classroom essentials.
“Kids and young teens aren’t always damaging things maliciously, however, and accidents do happen which can unfortunately hit schools in the pocket.
“And while it may not be overly expensive to replace a pencil case, smashing a laptop screen can be a lot more financially punishing.”
As many as three-quarters of the teachers polled believe kids are worse behaved than at any other time in their teaching career.
With the typical respondent having been an educator for eight years – and 10 per cent having done more than 20 years.
Classrooms were found to be where most school damage occurred (75 per cent), compared to toilets (54 per cent) and hallways (36 per cent).
And 49 per cent believe damage to school items at their place of work is becoming more common – with only nine per cent reporting it going down.
As a result, 46 per cent think it is important that school technology is durable and rugged.
While 39 per cent wish the tech they used was more robust, with 32 per cent claiming what they have isn’t currently up to the physical task.
Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) have paid for repairs to school products out of their own pockets, at a cost of more than £155.
And nine per cent even said their school has had to close temporarily in the last year due to broken equipment, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
ASUS’s spokesperson added: “Even when damage isn’t intentional, the cost of repairs can be substantial.
“It’s a diversion of funds that ultimately impacts the quality of education and resources available to students and teachers.
“Educators know the importance of having the right devices on hand that can withstand the rough and tumble of school life – from calculators to computers.
“But there are options available – like ruggedised laptops for students – which help schools save money when budgets are tight.”
It comes after a study revealed children are missing out on essential educational school trips – due to the cost-of-living crisis, lack of funds and staffing issues.
And a study of 1,300 parents of children aged six to 16, found 75 per cent are concerned about the back-to-school morning routine.