Teachers Fear Bullying and Student Isolation When Forming Groups, New Survey Finds

CAMBRIDGE, MA, January 7, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- A new survey of 600 teachers has found that forming student groups for lessons and activities is closely linked to concerns about bullying, social exclusion and conflict. The research was conducted by an interactive random-selection platform used in classrooms and events worldwide, Spin the Wheel.

Although group allocation is often seen as a routine admin task, more than half of teachers describe it as stressful and say the emotional responsibility of getting it wrong weighs heavily on them.

Key findings

52.5% of teachers say forming student groups is stressful
59.7% worry about a student becoming isolated within a group
52.4% are concerned about conflict or bullying arising from group combinations
40.3% say stress linked to grouping affects their wider teaching activity
Over half believe digital random-selection tools could reduce pressure.

Teachers reported that the decision-making process is shaped by issues such as friendship dynamics, prior incidents, safeguarding concerns and the risk of complaints if a grouping leads to problems.

“One decision about who works with whom can change a child’s day”

Alan Phillips, CEO, Spin the Wheel, said:

“People often imagine that forming groups is a quick administrative task, but teachers know it can be a student-safety decision as much as a practical one. One decision about who works or sits with whom can change a child’s entire day — whether they feel included, ignored or singled out. That is a significant emotional responsibility to carry again and again during the school year.”

He added:

“This research shows that teachers are not just arranging seats. They are trying to prevent conflict, protect vulnerable students and manage social dynamics while teaching. It is no surprise that many find the process stressful.”

Digital tools seen as a way to reduce pressure and perceived bias

More than half of respondents said that using a digital random-selection tool such as Spin the Wheel could help reduce the stress associated with forming groups. They associated such tools with: