Bullying By A Teacher

The majority of teachers do an excellent job in nurturing and developing their students and many go beyond what is expected. In relation to professional conduct, the Department for Education advises that all teachers must:

‘Treat pupils with dignity, build relationships rooted in mutual respect and at all times observe proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position.’

Teachers have proper discipline procedures and follow best practice guidelines regarding effective classroom management, however, there may be occasions when your child complains of unfair treatment and feels bullied by a teacher.

Whether your child is the ‘model student’ or has behavioural issues, it is a teacher’s duty to treat all students fairly and appropriately. We know it’s completely normal for young people to complain about their teachers, too much homework, lessons they don’t particularly like and being told off, but when normal school complaints become more serious they must be challenged.

It is important to talk to your child about what has been happening and consider whether they may have misunderstood a situation. Perhaps the teacher feels your child is not reaching their full potential or maybe they have missed homework deadlines. It could be a complaint that can be resolved through simply meeting with the teacher in question.

Investigating Further

If your child feels that a teacher displays any of the below behaviours towards them, it is important they are investigated immediately.

• Public humiliation and ridicule
• Excessive shouting at or ignoring of a student
• Physical punishment
• Excessive Isolation
• Constant and unconstructive criticism
• Intimidation
• Marking down grades as ‘punishment’
• Regularly making an example of a student in front of the class
• Excessively strict punishment that is not appropriate for the behaviour and/or age of the child
• Sanctions that haven’t taken into account any special educational needs and disabilities

Many young people feel that they will never be believed if they bring a complaint against a teacher, but don’t let this stop you. Bullying by a teacher is unacceptable behaviour and no child should be subjected to it.

Reporting Procedure

Once you have spoken to your child and established the details of the bullying incident, call the school and schedule a meeting. All schools have a ‘duty of care’ to its pupils and it is a legal requirement for them to protect all of their pupils from bullying.

If you feel the response to your child’s bullying has not been adequate, please do not give up. Follow the reporting procedure  and continue to address your concerns.