The research, which questioned 220 ATL members, asked teachers for their views on measures due to be outlined in the Education Bill, likely to be published later this week.
It found 41 per cent of staff believe extending teachers’ powers to search and confiscate weapons, mobiles and cigarettes will have a negative impact on relationships with pupils.
Almost a third of respondents also felt that searching pupils would harm relationships with parents and carers.
Teachers involved in the survey expressed concerns about the prospect of having to search pupils, with many worrying about possible allegations arising from a search.
One ATL member said: "We are educators not police officers and must have a different relationship with our students."
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