Female teachers and those under 40 are most commonly targeted, according to a survey of educators.According to the union, violence and the threat of violence are undermining teachers' safety and ability to work. Image: Mårten Lampén / YleYle News8:00Violence against teachers in Finland is on the rise, according to a new workplace wellbeing survey published by the Trade Union of Education (OAJ).The union’s latest working conditions barometer, released on Tuesday, found that while some aspects of working life have improved, many educators continue to experience bullying, inappropriate behaviour and workplace violence.Fourteen percent of respondents said they had experienced violence at work during the previous year, up from 10 percent in the union’s 2025 survey.According to the report, 99 percent of violent incidents were carried out by children or students, and six percent of the cases resulted in sick leave.Other data suggests higher levels of violenceHowever, OAJ noted that its figures are lower than those reported in other studies.According to the Finnish Workers' Compensation Centre (TVK), workplace accidents involving primary school teachers have nearly quadrupled over the past decade, while accidents in early childhood education have increased almost tenfold.Meanwhile, a 2024 study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that 44 percent of lower and upper secondary school teachers had experienced violence or the threat of violence during the previous year.Assaults include biting, spitting and strangulationA separate 2024 survey of occupational safety representatives with OAJ backgrounds found that teachers had been subjected to incidents including strangulation, pushing, hitting, spitting, biting, scratching, hair-pulling and threats of physical violence."The fear that something could happen, and the constant need to remain alert, can harm health and reduce work ability over time. That is why even the threat of violence requires action in the workplace," the report states.More than 70 percent of those who experienced violence were women, while teachers under the age of 40 were significantly more likely to be targeted.Special education teachers and special class teachers reported the highest rates of violence.In response, OAJ is calling for a dedicated national occupational safety programme for Finland's education, teaching and research sectors."As more and more education professionals experience violence at work, both teachers' safety and wellbeing, and ultimately the future of education, are at risk," the union said.The survey also warned that excessive workloads continue to hamper the sector's ability to attract and retain staff.The findings are based on responses from 1,667 people working in education, early childhood education and research positions, last November.