4 ways to tackle a rise in disrespectful behaviour in classrooms [Video]

New research from Ontario and Quebec finds students are becoming ruder in the classroom, leading to negative learning impacts for everyone. CBC News spoke to one researcher who explained how pandemic shutdowns and increased screen time made the problem even worse.

Talking loudly to drown out another student, fooling around mid-lesson, mocking a classmate’s incorrect answer — tales of disrespectful behaviour in today’s classrooms abound.

And a recent study from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., found a significant increase in classroom incivility since the pandemic.

“Incivility” sounds old-fashioned, but it can disrupt classrooms and student development — and it’s something educators and experts focused on Canadian youth believe deserves attention and action.

The study noted that more students lacked self-regulation skills, compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, says Natalie Spadafora, its lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at the university.

It makes sense, she said, with teachers finding that pandemic-related school disruptions have impacted the usual classroom routines, rules and …