Bullies increasingly using psychological violence at Dutch schools, Inspectorate says

The confidential counselors of the Education Inspectorate handled 2,317 files last school year. That is 165 more than in the previous year and 574 more than in 2021/22. Over half of the files concerned forms of psychological violence. The Inspectorate noted that the severity and duration of this form of bullying are increasing. “Sometimes there is even serious and long-term bullying for four or five school years.”

In both primary and secondary education, over half of the files on psychological violence were related to serious bullying. The Inspectorate called that worrying because “the consequences of bullying are considerable for children who experience it.” In both levels of education, the Inspectorate noted that the severity of psychological violence was increasing and shifting towards threats “with or without physical violence and/or a weapon.”

It is also striking that the number of files on sexual abuse and sexual harassment has decreased, from 470 out of 2,152 files in the 2022/23 school year to 377 out of 2,317 in the past school year. However, in the sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator was relatively more often a “person charged with tasks” such as a teacher or janitor at the school, namely 62 out of 96 files. In 48 cases, the Inspectorate established a reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense and referred the victim to the vice squad to report or file charges.

Minister Eppo Bruins and State Secretary Mariëlle Paul of Education called the increase in the number of files “serious because every case of unsafety is one too many.” In their letter to parliament, they note that the increase could also be due “to the fact that reporters are better able to find the confidential counselors, due to increased attention for social safety or because there is more confidence to report.”

Nevertheless, the figures put the Minister and State Secretary “on edge” and they feel the “heavy responsibility” to offer all pupils and students a safe learning environment. “The Cabinet will, therefore, continue unabated and with great commitment to strengthen safety in education.” They are working on a bill that will, among other things, oblige schools to have a confidential counselor.