Online teaching risks teacher burn-out and poor mental health, report says

Teachers and school staff are facing “burnout”, with bullying issues and online harassment from pupils having a “hugely detrimental” effect on professionals’ mental health.

The claim comes from the UK Safer Internet Centre (UK SIC) which runs a national helpline designed to assist people who work with children with online safety and safeguarding issues.

The organisation’s annual report, due to be published shortly, will show that that over the last year the helpline has dealt with 844 unique cases, totalling 1895 contacts with clients, the majority of whom — 67% — were teachers.

The report raises concerns for the mental health of professionals, with warnings they may be at risk of “burnout” if they do not have the proper support.

According to the report, almost half of the cases relate to issues directly affecting professionals (47% of cases), largely concerning incidents of bullying and harassment perpetrated by students or reputational accusations arising as a result of allegations, reviews or complaints made online.

David Wright UK SIC’s director said: One of the most notable findings of the report was the hugely detrimental impact these issues had on teachers’ mental health.

“Much thought has been given to children during this difficult period but we should not forget the incredibly important role of those struggling to support children. The findings of this report have significant implications in that they indicate the need to intervene upon abuse and stresses experienced by teaching professional at the earliest stage possible.

“Now, more than ever, we are reliant as a society on the internet. It has been an absolute lifeline during the lockdown and will continue to be as the world adapts to an uncertain future.

“We need to make sure our professionals working with young people know there is help out there and that they can get the support they need.”

UK SIC is a unique partnership of three world-leading charities (SWGfL, Childnet, and the Internet Watch Foundation) working together to deliver critical advice, guidance, resources, and interventions to help keep everyone, especially children and young people, safe online.

The helpline, launched in 2011, is operated by SWGfL and co-funded by the European Commission. It offers independent and confidential advice on a number of issues including cyberbullying, gaming, grooming, sexting, inappropriate online behaviour, digital privacy and reputation management.