Several schools that started classes in the new session this week are reminding teachers of their code of conduct, a move that has acquired some urgency following the conviction of two teachers at a city school in a case of sexual assault on a four-year-old.
No show of endearment, no touch and be cautious of your body language, are some of the points the teachers are being reminded of.
The rules have been in place for long, the heads of several schools said. But an incident like the conviction of the two physical education teachers has necessitated their reiteration to ensure the teachers do not become lax in their conduct, the heads said.
“We follow a zero-touch policy. We reminded the teachers that they should not be carried away by affection or affliction and be mindful of their conduct in every circumstance so that it does not physically or mentally impact a child,” said Rodney Borneo, principal, St Augustine’s School, Shyamnagar.
The principal of another school told the teachers, especially those in the middle and senior sections, that certain words such as “baby”, “darling”, “strawberry” and “love”, should be avoided. Such words are often used in everyday conversation.
“One has to think and speak and use words carefully. No words of endearment (is allowed). If the tie or badge is not in place or the uniform is not right, teachers have to point it out and not correct themselves,” said Seema Sapru, principal, The Heritage School.
Several schools reopened after the session break on Monday and many others are scheduled to do so next week.
At MP Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School, physical education teachers have been told to demonstrate a drill to the student and to minimise touch. “Teachers are not to touch a child unless a child needs help to get up if he or she has fallen,” said principal Purnima Chatterjee.
“Teacher-student equations are changing and a teacher is expected to show more restraint. It is making teachers more stressed, but one has to be extra cautious and leave no room for doubt.”
At Sri Sri Academy, which is still in the middle of a session break, the Telegraph report “Doubts and queries in minds of sports tutors”, which appeared on Monday, was shared with coordinators.
Principal Suvina Shunglu said that what was taken as normal earlier — such as a “pat of encouragement” — might not be acceptable now.
“It is necessary to repeat to teachers and staff of a school the importance of boundaries within a school setting. There are laws governing us and teachers and staff have to be aware of the implications of their behaviour,” said psychotherapist Farishta Dastur Mukerji.