Kids are getting ruder, teachers say. And new research backs that up

Rudeness on the Rise: The Impact of the Pandemic on Classroom Behavior

In recent years, teachers across Ontario have noticed a troubling trend in their classrooms – a rise in rudeness among students. According to Marylinda Lamarra, a secondary school teacher in the York Catholic District School Board, manners seem to have gone out the door since the pandemic began. Students are more likely to speak out of turn, interrupt their teachers, and engage in disruptive behavior.

Lamarra noted that students now struggle to pay attention through a whole lesson and often resort to yelling when conflicts arise. She believes that the shift to remote learning during the pandemic may have played a role in this spike in incivility. Without the structure and discipline of a traditional classroom setting, students may have lost out on crucial lessons in proper behavior.

A recent study from Brock University supports Lamarra’s observations. The study surveyed 308 Ontario kids aged nine to 14 about their behavior in the classroom. The results showed a significant increase in classroom incivility since the pandemic began. This includes behaviors like texting in class, interrupting teachers, and packing up before the lesson is over.

Natalie Spadafora, the researcher behind the study, emphasized that these seemingly minor behaviors can have negative effects if left unchecked. She believes that fostering civility in the classroom is essential to preventing more serious anti-social behavior in the future.

Both Lamarra and Spadafora agree that it’s crucial to address this issue early on. Lamarra believes that teachers need to get back to basics and focus on teaching proper manners and civility. She also stresses the importance of parental involvement in teaching children how to behave in the classroom and in society.

Spadafora echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of instilling civility in children from a young age. She believes that civil children are more likely to grow up to be civil adults, which benefits society as a whole.

In conclusion, the rise in rudeness in classrooms is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. By focusing on teaching proper manners and civility, both educators and parents can help shape the behavior of future generations and create a more respectful society.