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A re-write of the rules for
physical contact between teachers and children says not only is physical
contact important; but teachers who adopt a hands-off approach may be sending
the wrong message. The New Zealand Educational
Institute, which is launching the guidelines at its conference today, says
the approach is much less cautious than in the past. Radio New Zealand's education
correspondent says the guidelines stress the need for commonsense, and
replace a code of practice drawn up in 1998. The old code was a hands-off
approach. Now, contact is acceptable as long
as it's done in a professional and responsible manner and takes into account
the age of the child. Approved conduct includes
emotional support such as hugging or placing a supportive arm across a
child's shoulders or patting a child on the back when praise is due. The guidelines say teachers who
withdraw from physical contact or who are guarded in their interactions with
children may not be acting as positive role models. But the NZEI says teachers and
support staff still need to be aware that physical contact with children and
students can be misconstrued. Earlier this month a teacher was
awarded 30 thousand dollars after a charge of raping a seven-year-old was
dropped. And the Dean of Education at the University of Auckland, John
Langley, spoke of fears held by many young male trainees and teachers of
having false accusations made against them. The NZEI says schools should adopt
practices that prevent teachers and support staff from being vulnerable to
allegations. The NZEI hopes schools and early
childhood centres will use the guidelines to develop strategies and
practices. |
