Not touching pupils who are upset ‘is like abuse’
REFUSING to touch pupils who are upset in the classroom is a form of abuse, psychologists have claimed.
They say youngsters’ development is being hampered by school staff who will not make any physical contact due to fears of prosecution.
Rising numbers of schools are adopting stringent ‘no touch’ policies. But experts argue that rigidly adhering to these rules at times of heightened emotion could cause more harm, TES magazine reported.
The issue was discussed at a recent conference on touch in schools and children’s services, which was organised by the British Psychological Society.
A document published ahead of the event stressed it was important to take a ‘positive stand on the importance of touch’. It said that, on occasions, a ‘spontaneously warm and caring adult reaction is not only appropriate but essential’ in schools.
The paper added: ‘Touch deprivation/touch taboo rules are likely to be harmful to the psychological wellbeing of children and young people in general.’
Child psychologist Sean Cameron, who led the conference discussion, said: ‘What’s missing is a recognition of how important touch is. And that withholding touch is, in itself, a form of psychological abuse.’ He argued it was not enough for children only to be touched by their parents at home. Dr Cameron added: ‘It’s to do with context, isn’t it? There are just some occasions when, as a human being, you need to touch another person. Just to show shared delight or horror or sorrow.’ Professor Francis McGlone, of Liverpool John Moores University, added: ‘Touch isn’t just good – it’s absolutely essential. Denying it is like denying a child oxygen.’
Heather Piper, emeritus professor of education at Manchester Metropolitan University, said she wanted society to move away from the panic surrounding child abuse. However, she said she understood teachers’ caution over touching pupils due to the fear of having their career ruined by a false abuse claim. Physical contact between teachers and pupils is not illegal, with Government guidelines saying there are occasions when it is ‘proper and necessary’.