Opinions | Letters
April 20, 2009
Letters to the editor, April 20, 2009.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:09 April 19, 2009
There were other ways
If your child doesn't answer your question would you beat him or her ("11-year-old student dies after teacher allegedly beats her," Gulf News, April 18)? No, you wouldn't. I would like to ask teachers to consider students as their own children and not punish them. If a child does not wish to study, there are other ways to resolve the issue instead of punishment. Teachers can call the child's parents or report the matter to the supervisor. I, as a student, know a friend who didn't like studying or completing notes. The teachers, instead of punishing her, reported her bad performance to her parents. Soon she started studying well and became more responsible.
From Ms Donna Maria Spencer
Sharjah
Website comment
Harsher
The value of the child's life is equal to two years in jail for the convicted teacher? The punishment should be harsher. No other teacher should consider indulging in such acts in the future.
From Mr Yousuf Hussain
Dubai
Website comment
My life, ruined
Such punishments must be stopped immediately. I remember when I was a pupil the teachers at my school would make us stand naked in the school compound in front of everyone. Most of the teachers used the same form of punishment, even for simple mistakes. I was afraid to go to school and did not for several days until a notification was sent by the school's authorities to my parents. My life is totally ruined because of my teachers' behaviour and I was unable to complete school, too. I believe teaching methods can only be improved by loving children and being friendly with them. The most important thing for a teacher is to understand the feelings of their students.
From A Reader
Al Ain
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Medically fit?
Teachers should be checked for their medical history which could include blood pressure, stress and personal problems.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Website comment |
Inhuman
A punishment of two years is very less for the teacher. Additionally, she should be fined so that others do not repeat the same. This is a totally inhuman act.
From A Reader
Hyderabad, India
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Unheard of
This is not good news. How can a teacher be so cruel with her student? Such punishments are unheard of even in places that house juvenile criminals.
From Mr Baiju Murathankal
Dubai
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Followers
Instead of punishments, teachers should be trained to impart a positive attitude and guide pupils. Teachers who indulge in extreme punishment must be discouraged, as they set an example for other teachers to follow.
From Mr S. J. Huq
Dubai
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Not enough
A jail term for only two years? I think what the teacher did is very wrong. She should be tried and deserves much more than just two years in jail.
From Ms Rania
Sharjah
Website comment
Paying with life
Teachers act as role models in a child's life. This is a very shameful act on the part of the teacher. She should feel sorry for her actions, for which a child had to pay with her life. The school's authorities are equally responsible. How can they ensure that other children are safe?
From Mr Ram
Dubai
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Defenceless
We are in the 21st century now. This should have never happened, especially to a defenceless child.
From Mr Anthony
USA
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Teach, not torture
I feel a teacher should be convicted for allegedly torturing the child as teachers are supposed to teach and not raise hands on a child. In fact a teacher should be a role model for a child as the child spends a major part of his or her day at school. Teachers are supposed to teach the child, not torture. If this continues, children will be afraid to go to school. If the teachers behave in such a manner, parents will be afraid to send their child to any institution. This is extremely unethical behaviour.
From Ms Fatima
Sharjah
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Tainted image
Law enforcements are not strict enough for extreme punishments given at school. Children go to school to gain knowledge and discipline from teachers. When a teacher behaves in such a ruthless manner with a student, the law needs to be strict enough so that similar incidents do not recur. Just two years in jail for such a rash punishment is unfair. It is the death of an innocent child and severe action is called for. The act of a single teacher leaves a black mark on the entire profession. Let not the action of one particular teacher reflect on the many teachers who are living up to their profession and are truly sincere.
From Ms Naina Nair
Sharjah
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Revamping
This is outrageous. Such acts by school teachers should be treated with utmost importance and the guilty convicted without mercy.
Our children construct their basic behaviour at school. I strongly believe that the current law is weak and needs a total revamping. Children should be allowed to raise their concern against any kind of torture they face at school, in a forum independent from the school. They most often choose not to discuss the same with parents due to fear.
The teaching patterns followed in most schools outside India, namely the West, are extremely encouraging. Teachers there act as counsellors/mentors and maintain a personal relationship with their pupils, without deleting the element of discipline.
From Ms Rakhi Joseph
Dubai
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A permanent void
Such an act against an 11-year-old child is unacceptable. The teacher should be punished. If she is so cruel, what good can she do for the little children? In this case, the teacher has not lost anything. It is the parents who have lost their daughter and no one can fill that gap.
From Ms Arshiya
Dubai
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Friends with limitations
I, too, am a teacher in the Philippines where such punishments are not allowed. Before graduating to become a teacher one has to know of one's duties and responsibilities. Punishing your students will not help them. On the contrary, it can be traumatising. Being friends with limitations will help teachers inspire their students.
From Mr Marlen
Abu Dhabi
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Can they take it?
Any punishment that borders on cruelty must be banned. A minor punishment inside the class can be given to ascertain that the students can bear the same at their age. The teacher should be equally punished as the parents have lost their child and that cannot be retrieved at any cost. The two-year jail term is nothing when compared to the punishment given to the student, followed by death.
From Ms Reni Stanley
Dubai
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Simpler punishments
Military acts of punishment should be banned at school. I had been in an overseas boarding school and have experienced such punishment. It's better to understand students' problems rather then implementing such methods. A simpler punishment such as hitting on the hands can be allowed.
From Mr Ahmad A.
Muscat, Oman
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