Poor behaviour and aggression in Welsh schools and colleges is becoming normalised, leaving many young people, especially those from marginalised groups, feeling unsafe and unsupported, according to the Welsh Youth Parliament.
In a report published today, the Welsh Youth Parliament’s Crime and Safety Committee is raising the alarm on pupil safety and calling for urgent changes in schools.
The report, based on the voices of nearly 2,000 young people who were consulted across Wales, collected extensive evidence of the realities faced by pupils every day. It finds that 40% of young people reported witnessing violent or abusive behaviour at their school or college, yet only 19% considered it a problem, and a majority said they felt safe where they receive their education.
This gap, the Committee argues, highlights how aggressive and disruptive actions have become “the norm”, with many students resigned to accepting circumstances that should not be tolerated.
A recent Welsh Government workforce survey backs up these experiences, revealing that over 90% of respondents believe disruptive behaviors have increased since the pandemic.
Marginalised groups at greater risk
The Committee’s report includes worrying personal testimonies from marginalised groups collected between September and November 2025.
Disabled respondents were significantly more likely to see violent or abusive behavior and unsafe sexual conduct as problems - by up to 12% higher than the overall sample. LGBTQ+ pupils, especially those identifying as trans or genderfluid, consistently reported feeling less safe and less included, with higher rates of bullying and disruptive behavior.
Focus group participants from these backgrounds described feeling more vulnerable and frequently targeted, citing a lack of adequate support and understanding within their schools.
A recurring theme in the report is the failure of schools to recognise and respond to the unique needs of these groups. Young people shared stories of being bullied for their differences, whether related to disability, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
The Committee warns that without tailored support and a genuine commitment to inclusion, marginalised pupils will continue to face greater risks and barriers to their education.
Time for a stronger pupil voice
Today’s Committee report also calls on school leaders to listen to pupils and involve them more meaningfully in decisions that shape their educational environment.
Only 30% of survey and focus group respondents said they had contributed to decisions or policy-making around safety in their schools.
Many of these young people emphasised that greater involvement in shaping policies, lessons, and school culture would foster a sense of ownership and improve behaviour.
While some schools were better than others at creating this positive culture, the Committee agreed that pupils’ voices were more likely to be considered the older they were. Today’s report argues that there needs to be much more focus on younger pupils between 11-14 years old to build the habit of participation as early as possible.
