They Behave For Me What have we got wrong about behaviour? With Tom Bennett
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Jan 16, 2026 Tom Bennett, a behaviour advisor and founder of ResearchED, dives into how historical shifts in education have changed our perspective on behaviour. He discusses how COVID and smartphones highlighted existing issues rather than creating them. Tom shares insights from the National Behaviour Survey, emphasizing the need for clear systems and tailored approaches in schools. He explores the importance of belonging and community, linking it to Maslow's principles, while advocating for authentic school identities that adapt systems to their unique contexts.
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Human Nature Is The Core Driver
- Human nature drives most pupil behaviour and hasn't changed across contexts or time.
- Context, culture and adult responses determine whether misbehaviour escalates or is managed.
Public School Riots Shaped Systems
- Tom recounts 19th-century public school riots that led to prefect systems and stricter hierarchies.
- Those historical reactions shaped modern behaviour norms and punitive structures in schools.
COVID Revealed, Not Created, Issues
- COVID exposed and amplified pre-existing behavioural problems by de-habituating pupils and adults.
- Mobile phones likely contributed to the magnified behaviour challenges post-COVID.