‘A MISUSE OF POWER AND AUTHORITY’

Psychologist Laura Geige says:

‘When teachers, male and female, cross the line and engage in inappropriate relationships with pupils, such behaviour often stems from underlying psychological factors, including a misuse of power and authority, unresolved personal issues and boundary violations. The increase in such cases is multifaceted: the proliferation of social media and technology has undoubtedly facilitated more frequent and unsupervised interactions between teachers and students outside of school settings. This accessibility can erode professional boundaries and, in some egregious instances, has escalated to acts of statutory rape, where consent cannot legally be given due to the student’s age. The fact we are more shocked by women doing this can be attributed to the conventional portrayal of women as nurturers and caregivers. When female teachers violate these expectations, it not only triggers a violation of trust but also a dissonance with the ingrained societal archetype of women as inherently less predatory than men. This contradiction enhances the shock felt by the public. It’s vital for schools to implement strict policies regarding teacher-student interactions online and encourage open communication channels for reporting concerns promptly. Schools should prioritise comprehensive training on maintaining professional boundaries and ethical conduct. Furthermore, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability can empower both students and staff to speak up against inappropriate behaviour. As parents and educators, our collective vigilance and proactive measures are paramount in safeguarding our children’s wellbeing.