Many of us are familiar with stories of individuals encountering negative or toxic experiences in school or college. Unfortunately, toxicity has become a prevalent yet often disregarded issue in the fast-paced and competitive realm of education. This toxicity can take various forms within academic institutions and online learning platforms, affecting educators, students, and administrators alike. This blog delves into the concerning rise of toxicity in the educational sector, examining its causes and the profound impact it has on those involved.
1 what does “toxicity in the educational sector mean”?
Toxicity in the educational sector is defined as a bad and damaging atmosphere within educational institutions or systems that has a detrimental impact on the happiness, productivity, and academic achievement of educators, students, administrators, and other stakeholders. Toxicity affects individual physical and psychological well-being.
Causes of toxicity in the educational sector.
There are plenty of causes of toxicity in the educational sector. Recognizing these factors is critical for establishing effective measures to fix and reduce toxicity.
- The constant pursuit of academic brilliance can make the work environment toxic. Educators or students may feel burdened by the demands to satisfy scores on standardized tests, educational targets, and rigorous curricular guidelines.
- Limited resources, such as funding limits, inadequate access to technology, or a lack of support staff, can add to educators’ workload.
- Toxic behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or discrimination by co-workers, administrators, or even students can contribute to a toxic for both teachers and students.
- toxicity can be fostered by deeply ingrained cultural or organizational norms that value rivalry over collaboration, restrict freedom of speech, or tolerate disrespectful behavior.
- Broader economic and sociological issues, such as reductions in funding, political constraints, or expectations from society, can have an impact on educational organizations and make teaching stressful impact organizations as well as teachers and students.
- Insufficient or dismissive leadership is frequently the root cause of toxicity. Leaders who lack empathy, fail to communicate openly, or engage in micromanagement can foster a poor workplace culture that spreads to educators. The adverse impacts of toxic leadership on teaching and learning in schools are the following: poor working relationships between stakeholders; malfunctioning schools; impoverished education and instruction; disregard of obligation by stakeholders; abuse of power by school principals and no confidence; fear; unregulated freedom; and unwelcome conduct. (Mahlangu, 2014)
3.1 signs that you are dealing with toxicity in the educational sector as a student
- If there is unhealthy competition between you and your peers, driven by an urge to surpass others at any cost, this is a sign of toxicity.
- Students may be bullied by fellow students or by their teachers, which might involve bullying through speech, exclusion from society, online harassment, or physical abuse.
- If you have. a heavy workload, unattainable goals, and fierce competition among peers. This kind of pressure is known as academic pressure which can be very toxic.
- If you face prejudice based on ethnic background, sexual orientation, racial background, or financial standing.
If your teachers or school administrators display arrogant, rude, or hostile behaviors toward you and your peers.
3.2 Sign that you are dealing with toxicity in the educational sector as an educator
- If you are facing prejudice based on gender, race, age, or gender identity.
- If you are dealing with continuous surveillance and overbearing oversight by managers or superiors.
- If you are facing harassment from co-workers, administrators, or students. This can include verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, and the spread of rumors.
- If you feel neglected or abandoned by your peers or supervisors.
- Demands regarding working long hours or taking work home may interfere with the equilibrium between work and personal life.
4 impacts of toxicity in the educational sector
There are both psychological and physiological effects of experiencing toxicity in the educational sector. Let’s talk about both these impacts with real-life cases.
According to an investigation, schools are important for detecting indications of physiological imbalances and depression risk. Schools’ social and structural aspects influence physiological and psychological well-being from youth to adulthood. School violence is one of the main causes of promoting toxicity in the sector. Violence, bullying, or Environments characterized by risks of violence and dread can readily be classified as stressful, and findings from the stress response model suggest that persons experiencing extreme stress without enough social support may be the most sensitive to the health-damaging effects of stress. (Boen et al., 2020)
4.1 Physiological problems caused by the toxic environment
- Elevated heart rate and restricted blood arteries increase the likelihood of hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Long-term stress increases the risk of getting heart disease or having a heart attack
- Toxic environments can cause the immune system to be weak, leaving them more prone to infections and diseases. Instructors in toxic workplaces may endure more common colds, flu, and other ailments due to weakened immunity.
- Stress and worry caused by toxic conditions at work can affect the digestive system, resulting in symptoms like stomachaches, indigestion, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome. Unhealthy coping techniques, such as emotional eating or inconsistent eating patterns, can exacerbate digestive problems.
- Toxic surroundings can cause sleep problems and sleeplessness in both educators and kids. Persistent stress can alter sleep patterns, causing trouble sleeping, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep.
- Toxicity in the environment can disturb hormonal balance, compromising fertility, metabolic processes, and overall well-being. Female educators might observe cycles of menstruation that are irregular or hormonal abnormalities, whereas male educators may see variations in testosterone levels.
- Shallow breathing or hyperventilation can worsen respiratory disorders such as asthma.
Many students may not get the support from the adults as they might expect as they too, are influenced by the surroundings at their school. They are exhausted by the physical and mental strain of dealing with their dread and tension. Many instructors suffer from burnout and mental health concerns as a result of the educational sector’s intense pressures. In a poll performed by the National Education Association (NEA) in the United States, a large proportion of teachers stated that they felt worried, drained, and unsecured, raising concerns about employment and work fulfilment. Not only students but also staff members face bullying or verbal abuse from their superiors based on their gender, sexuality socioeconomic background, etc.
For example, a real case happened in 2018 LGBTQ+ educators have reported experiencing harassment and prejudice in schools because of their gender identity or sexuality. They received verbal abuse and threats after coming out openly. Despite requesting assistance from the school administration, the teacher continued to endure animosity and eventually quit the position due to the harmful environment. (Boen et al., 2020)
As a consequence, teacher turnover and institutional chaos are common, and students are unable to build the types of relationships with adults required to cope with and minimize stress. All this constant tension can cause mental health problems.
4.2 Psychological problems caused by the toxic environment
- Regular exposure to high amounts of stress, pressure, and uncertainty in a toxic environment can lead to the development or worsening of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. Educators and students may suffer ongoing anxiety, fear, and anxiousness about job-related challenges or encounters in a toxic environment.
- Long-term tension, an excessive workload, and a lack of appreciation or support can all contribute to emotional depletion, depersonalization, and decreased personal accomplishment, all of which are signs of burnout. Educators who experience burnout in a toxic workplace may feel emotionally tired, cynical, and disconnected from their profession.
- A toxic academic atmosphere marked by skepticism antagonism, and a lack of encouragement can lead to sentiments of pessimism, melancholy, and low self-esteem in both instructors and pupils. Persistent exposure to harmful behaviors and settings may exacerbate depressive symptoms and raise the likelihood of developing severe depressive disorder.
- Extreme or traumatic experiences in a toxic educational setting, such as bullying, harassment, or threats, can trigger PTSD symptoms. Individuals may have disturbing recollections, flashbacks, heightened alertness, and avoidance tendencies as a result of previous traumatic occurrences.
- This might lead the individual to have suicidal thoughts and may try to end their own life.
Like Mallory Grossman, a 12-year-old kid from New Jersey committed suicide in 2017 after being relentlessly bullied by peers at her middle school. Her parents filed a legal action suing the school system, claiming that school authorities failed to handle the bullying despite many complaints. The tragic instance highlighted the devastating implications of unrestrained violence in educational contexts.
5 Ways to deal with toxicity in the educational sector
Coping with toxicity in education necessitates proactive initiatives aimed at improving well-being, building resilience, and establishing a healthy work or learning environment.
Coping strategies for teachers
- Set clear boundaries between your professional and personal life. It is critical to say no to responsibilities that may overburden you.
- Incorporate stress-reduction practices into your everyday routine, such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These approaches can assist in reducing stress and enhance emotional well-being.
- Learn how to assertively convey your wants, concerns, and boundaries to co-workers, superiors, or administrators. Assertiveness can help you navigate potentially toxic circumstances more effectively.
- Consider seeking specialized help and guidance from a mental health professional, counselor, or therapist when dealing with workplace stress and toxicity.
Coping strategies for student
- Prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in relaxing and enjoyable hobbies.
- Develop and apply coping skills including problem-solving, emotional management, and positive thinking to help you deal with stress and obstacles efficiently.
- Participate in student-led programs or advocacy events to combat toxic behavior, promote diversity, and cultivate an encouraging educational environment.
- Consider seeking specialized help and guidance from a mental health professional, counselor, or therapist when dealing with workplace stress and toxicity.(Toxic School Cultures, n.d.)
