Abuse ‘both ways’

A CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE wants the spotlight turned on teachers who are provoking and abusing children.

Shelley Ross, who came to the defence of a then 14-year-old student of Springer Memrorial School last term, yesterday added her voice to debate on recent cases of student-on-teacher violence in schools.

The latest controversy to erupt occurred at Ellerslie Secondary School where a teacher was reportedly spat on, kicked and punched by a 13-year-old female student.

The third form student was suspended yesterday.

But Ross complained there were too many teachers in the school system who were alcoholics, used illegal drugs, had mental problems, were abusive to children and often brought their marital and relationship issues into the classroom and the children often suffered. (GE)

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