Parental Violence against Educators: The Case of Greek Teachers

Abstract

This research article examines the growing phenomenon of parental violence against educators, focusing on the case of Greek teachers. Drawing on systematic content analysis of Greek press and electronic media reports, it explores the main causes, forms, and consequences of parental aggression, as well as the adequacy of the existing institutional protection framework. Five principal causes are identified: questioning of teachers’ evaluative and pedagogical competence, overprotective and interventionist parenting, weakening of institutional trust and teacher authority, dysfunctional school–family communication, and heightened psychosocial stress within families. Parental aggression manifests in multiple forms, including verbal and psychological abuse, institutional and legal harassment, public targeting through digital media, and, in rare cases, physical violence. These behaviors significantly affect teachers’ professional autonomy, psychological well-being, and job satisfaction, often leading to defensive teaching practices and increased intentions to leave the profession. A comparative overview reveals that, unlike several European countries with clear preventive frameworks, Greece lacks a unified and specialized system for teacher protection. This study underscores the need for comprehensive institutional, communicative, and psychosocial interventions.