The president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association says class size is one of the biggest factors driving an increase in school violence across the province.

Dale Lambe’s comments come after two young people were arrested following an assault at a Conception Bay North school—an incident that drew the attention of thousands on social media.

Lambe says overcrowded classrooms pose a serious safety risk not only to students, but to teachers.

“If you have smaller class sizes and you have more bodies to deliver services, you also have more bodies to deliver safety. You see that those class sizes and the composition within those classes have increased significantly,” said Lambe.

“We just need more resources. We need more ability to handle situations.”