NEW research has revealed a significant decline in pupil behaviour in the region over the last five years.

The poll of teachers in the North-East has revealed almost half (44 per cent) of teachers working in the region have seen worsening in behaviour over the last five years.

The YouGov poll also highlights the impact poor student behaviour has on teacher well-being: Almost half (44 per cent) of teachers in the North-East say they have seen a decline in behaviour over the past five years, compared to the national average of 49 per cent.

Almost half (45 per cent) teachers in the North-East say poor behaviour has led them to consider leaving the profession.

Almost half (46 per cent) of North-East teachers say poor behaviour has caused them stress, anxiety or depression.

Meanwhile, more than half (51 per cent) of teachers in Yorkshire and Humber said that they had seen a decline in pupil behaviour over the past five years while 65 per cent of the sample said poor pupil behaviour had caused them stress, anxiety or depression The Teacher Support Network – which carried out the survey - is now calling on the Government and schools to ensure staff are provided with the adequate training and support needed to cope with increasingly challenging pupil behaviour.

The charity also provides free teacher resources, such as ‘Managing Pupil Behaviour – A Practical Guide’, offering teachers useful, differentiated strategies for managing behaviour in their classrooms.

Commenting on the findings Julian Stanley, chief executive of the Teacher Support Network, said: “Our research highlights a worrying decline in student behaviour that is having a damaging effect on teaching quality and standards. This chronic problem with behaviour is driving valuable teachers away from the profession and damaging the morale and mental health of many others.