Social media behind ‘surge’ in knife violence, NASUWT warns

NASUWT has warned that social media is fuelling a “surge” in youth violence, including knife crime, and that teachers are “increasingly facing the consequences in their classrooms”.

At TUC Congress 2025, the union called for “urgent action” to tackle the drivers of violence and knife crime in schools, after its Behaviour in Schools report found that 7% of teachers have been threatened with a weapon by a pupil, while 3% have been assaulted with one.

The union explained to delegates how social media platforms are being used to “promote gang rivalries, glorify violence, and spread fear while schools and communities are left to pick up the pieces”.

One teacher was assaulted with a 3×2 length of wood whilst another was threatened with a knife and told “I’ll slit your throat”.

Some 59% of teachers say social media is a driving factor in poor behaviour and 81% reported rising levels of violence and abuse from pupils.

In light of this, the union is calling for:

• Stronger regulation of social media platforms, including mandatory reporting, rapid removal of violent content, and real penalties for failure to act
• Support for tech and content moderation workers through union representation and fair conditions
• Urgent investment in youth services, education, mental health support, and community policing
• Partnership with community organisations to deliver outreach, education, and digital citizenship programmes

NASUWT national president Wayne Broom told Congress: “We cannot stand by while likes and shares on violent content translate into blood on our streets. What begins as an online ‘beef’ can spiral into deadly violence. Teachers see this every day.

“Social media gives gangs an unlimited stage to taunt rivals and glamorise weapons. Shame and pride play out in public—and humiliation in a viral video can lead to a knife on the street.”

He added: “Austerity has piled on the fuel. Youth services have been stripped away, leaving gangs and online drama to fill the void. If we want to end knife crime, we must give young people hope and alternatives.”

NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Teachers are being threatened, assaulted and traumatised—and social media is pouring fuel on the fire.

“The social media giants must be held accountable for the violent content they host and amplify. But this crisis goes deeper. Years of austerity have gutted youth services and left schools without the resources to cope. We need urgent action and that means stronger regulation, proper funding, and a national strategy to make schools safe – for every child, and every teacher.”