Addressing Student Assault on Teachers: Balancing Consequences and Support

Severity and Age: Key Factors in Determining Consequences

The severity of the attack and the age of the child are crucial factors in determining the consequences for assault against teachers. For instance, a kindergartener who threatened to stab a principal with a pencil was expelled due to being a physical danger. In contrast, a second grader who shoved a teacher was only required to make a public apology because it was an isolated incident.

High school incidents also show varied responses based on context. A high school student who accidentally elbowed a principal in the face faced no consequences due to his immediate apology and lack of prior incidents. However, another high school student who threatened a principal received a one-week in-school suspension and a police warning but was not arrested.

The Role of School Policy and Administrative Support

School-age children often receive leniency because they are expected to make mistakes, though there are limits to this leniency. For example, a substitute teacher was punched and sexually harassed by a middle school student but received no support from the school administration afterward. The substitute teacher's job was canceled, and the student bragged about getting her fired, leading her to quit the education field.

This lack of administrative support can be demoralizing for educators. Some believe that children as young as two or three can understand that violence is wrong, challenging the notion that young brains cannot grasp the consequences of their actions. However, children generally receive diminished punishment for most offenses due to their developing brains, which is why there is a juvenile delinquent system.

Understanding Child Development and Impulse Control

The frontal lobes of children, especially boys, are not fully developed, affecting their impulse control and understanding of long-term consequences. Non-punitive methods like mentoring, redirection, policy review, and remedial training are suggested as alternatives to prison for addressing behavioral problems. This is crucial because prison or juvenile correction significantly increases the risk of reoffending.

A high school teacher attributes the leniency towards student assaults to a cultural tendency in schools to "learn from mistakes." The high school teacher, who is a large male, stated he would file charges if assaulted, emphasizing the need for educators to involve law enforcement rather than relying solely on school administration.

Legal Frameworks and Educator Perspectives

In Canada, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) considers multiple factors, including the possibility of using adult charges under the criminal code for youth offenders. There is a belief that more educators should seek law enforcement intervention rather than allowing school culture, administration, or parents to dictate responses to assault.

Some educators feel unsupported by their administration when dealing with violent students, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness. The school-to-prison pipeline is a concern, prompting some educators to avoid involving the police in minor incidents to prevent students from entering the criminal justice system.

Finding a Balance: Consequences and Rehabilitation

Balancing consequences and support is essential in addressing student assaults on teachers. While it is important to hold students accountable for their actions, understanding the developmental aspects of child behavior and providing appropriate support can lead to better long-term outcomes. Schools must work in tandem with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community resources to create a safe and supportive environment for both educators and students.