Recent reports reveal a dramatic surge in violence and threats against school employees in Oslo. Data from the Utdanningsetaten (the Education Agency) and insights from Arbeidstilsynet (the Norwegian Labour Inspectorate) paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by teachers and staff. This article examines the statistics, personal accounts, and systemic issues underlying the crisis in Oslo schools.
Alarming statistics: 7,835 incidents reported in 2024
According to the latest annual report by Utdanningsetaten, a total of 7,835 cases of violence and threats were recorded in Oslo schools during 2024. This represents a 39% increase compared to 2023.
A detailed breakdown shows that primary schools reported the highest number of incidents, particularly in serious and critical categories. Secondary schools had significantly fewer cases, while special schools recorded a substantial number of violent episodes, indicating challenges in handling vulnerable students.
These numbers underscore a critical need for action in ensuring safety within Oslo’s schools.
Teachers’ voices: direct accounts from the frontline
Educators across Oslo are speaking out about the deteriorating sense of security in their workplaces. One teacher, identified only as “Marit,” who has been in the profession for nearly 15 years, described her harrowing experience:
“We do not feel safe, we do not feel seen, we do not feel sufficient to handle these children.”
“It does not surprise me in any way.”
Marit’s candid testimony highlights the daily pressures and physical dangers faced by teachers. After enduring repeated violent incidents and threats, she confessed:
“My body could not take any more, so I had to take 100% sick leave.”
“I believe I will never be the same as before. You have to find yourself all over again.”
Her account reflects the personal toll that this violence exacts, leaving long-term impacts on those tasked with educating the city’s youth.
Systemic challenges and new reporting measures
In response to the surge in reported incidents, Oslo’s educational authorities have introduced a new reporting system designed to lower the threshold for notifying authorities about deviations. According to Utdanningsbyråden (the Education Council) in Oslo, Julie Remen Midtgarden, the measure is intended to reduce unreported “dark figures” of violence:
“It is highly prioritized by the council. No student or employee should experience school as an unsafe place.”
“With the new system for reporting, we lower the threshold for reporting deviations, to reduce the number of unreported cases.”
Despite the improvements in reporting, some educators, such as Marius Tvedt Veum—a fifth-grade teacher at Ullevål skole—warn that incidents may still go unrecorded:
“It is not always that one remembers or has the time to report it.”
“And when a new day comes, it might not be something you think about.”
Furthermore, Dag Martin Vikheim, the chief safety delegate at Utdanningsetaten, emphasized that schools often lack the necessary tools and external support to effectively manage these escalating challenges:
“The principal, the school leadership, and the employees are often left somewhat alone to handle the problems.”
“And it is not certain that the school alone can solve the problems.”
The broader context of school violence
Additional reports from Arbeidstilsynet have spotlighted a broader issue beyond Oslo-skolen. NRK Vestfold og Telemark recently disclosed that many schools across the region are failing to adequately protect their staff from violent behavior—a situation described as “totally unacceptable.” Instances of violence range from spitting, hair-pulling, and physical assault to the alarming presence of dangerous objects such as hammers, bats, and even knives on school grounds.
In one harrowing account, a nine-year-old boy, referred to as “Emil,” became a symbol of the growing problem of student aggression. This case is one among many where educators report that violent incidents occur daily on some campuses and weekly on others.
Urgent reforms needed to secure Oslo schools
The escalating violence in Oslo schools is a multifaceted crisis that demands urgent attention. With teachers reporting physical and psychological harm, and statistics indicating a substantial rise in violent incidents, authorities face mounting pressure to enhance security measures and provide robust support systems. The combined efforts of local policymakers, educational leaders, and external agencies will be essential to safeguard both educators and students in Oslo’s schools.
As this issue continues to evolve, stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure that no one—whether a teacher or student—is left feeling unsafe in their learning environment.
