Too often, headlines today start with “inappropriate behavior by a teacher” and end with “escalated to harming a child.” Unfortunately, some inappropriate behaviors are the first indication that a child is in harm’s way. When those signs are not recognized, behaviors can turn into actions that cross lines and hurt a child’s physical or emotional development.
Parents trust teachers to educate their children in a safe and nurturing environment. Most teachers care deeply about their students’ growth and well-being. However, there are times when a teacher’s conduct turns inappropriate. Early intervention helps you protect your child and address issues before they escalate. That starts with learning to recognize concerning behaviors and attitudes inside and outside the classroom.
Learning How to Recognize Inappropriate Behavior by Your Child’s Teacher
The best way to advocate for your child and learn to recognize the signs of emerging inappropriate behavior is to listen to your child. Children are bright and amazingly perceptive. Often, children express their concerns to parents, but parents may find it challenging to decipher. Learning to listen to your child and recognize when they need help will allow you to intervene on their behalf when an educator pushes the limits. Some of the signs that a teacher may be involved in inappropriate behavior include:
Using Disrespectful or Demeaning Language
Children are sponges and pick up everything from the words adults use to their tone of voice. An educator’s use of sarcasm, insults, or belittling remarks toward students can indicate improper behavior. Another problem stems from publicly embarrassing or shaming a child instead of correcting behavior constructively. These actions can be a form of mental or emotional manipulation and abuse.
Excessive or Unfair Discipline
If you notice a disturbing pattern of excessive discipline, it is time to question a teacher’s methods, especially if your child does not present signs of behavioral or disciplinary issues at home or in extracurricular activities. This behavior can include singling out your child for punishment more than peers without justification or inflicting disciplinary measures that feel harsh, humiliating, or disproportionate to the situation.
Testing or Pushing Personal Boundaries
You want teachers to form bonds with children. However, some bonds escalate beyond the standard teacher-student relationship. Educators can share with students, but giving overly personal information or communicating with your child outside school through private messages, calls, or social media is inappropriate. Showing favoritism that makes a child uncomfortable also crosses boundaries.
Signs of Neglect or Lack of Professionalism
Children need to feel safe and respected in the classroom. Educators who frequently ignore bullying or safety concerns, fail to provide proper supervision, consistently arrive unprepared, or appear distracted create a chaotic and unsafe environment that is not conducive to learning.
Physical Misconduct
Apparent signs of unnecessary or rough physical contact with students or entering a child’s personal space in a way that causes discomfort are immediate signs that you need to take action to protect your child.
Listen carefully to your child and document what they share. If you notice changes in your child’s behavior, such as:
- Fear or reluctance to go to school
- Stress or anxiety when talking about school
- Loss of confidence
- Depression
- Changes in mood, sleeping, or eating behaviors
Inappropriate behavior doesn’t always mean intentional harm. However, without prompt intervention, your child can suffer emotional or educational setbacks. In some instances, unacceptable behavior is the precursor to significant physical or sexual harm.
Discuss Your Fears with a Compassionate Attorney Today
Trust your parental instincts. If you suspect your child is the recipient of inappropriate language or behavior from a teacher, talk to a Hale & Monico team member. We are America’s justice lawyers, and we can use the legal system to help protect your child. We are passionate about aggressively pursuing justice while offering compassionate service to our clients and their families during this dark time.
Contact our office today for a confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation.