A primary school teacher has shared his experience with a class 5 pupil who was making advances toward him, highlighting the need for self-control among both teachers and students.
He advised against blaming teachers and putting all the responsibility on them, stating that students also need guidance and reorientation in their behavior.
Narrating his experience, the teacher revealed how a 15-year-old student tried to initiate an affair with him and even went as far as visiting his home to make advances toward him.
He also mentioned how the parents of the student regarded their daughter as a holy child, but she was not a virgin and was trying to engage in an illicit affair with him.
Below were his words;
“This 15-year-old student was trying to push herself to me in all ways. It got to a time she started buying me gifts. The parents were having a supermarket and because she has Adress me as a good teacher to the parents, the parents will also send me gifts. And I do take them, to be honest with you. She came to my house alone one Saturday without my notice. Then I knew there is trouble on the way for me. So I told her to come in and greet the woman of my life, then she started crying telling me she love me and wanted us to make love but I’ve someone already. So she left and never talk to me again I automatically turn into her enemy. She started giving me small problems in school, so I quit my job as a teacher and focus on my talent as a Graphics designer”
Unfortunately, incidents of teachers having affairs with students have become more commonplace in recent times. However, it is clear here that not all cases of abuse or unwanted advances come from the teachers. Sometimes, it is the students who take the initiative and try to pursue a relationship with their teachers. Blaming only the teachers for this problem is not the solution.
Rather, there is a need to educate both teachers and students on appropriate behavior and boundaries within the school setting. Both parties need to understand and respect one another’s boundaries to prevent any form of abuse or unwanted advances.
Guidance and counseling are fundamental in preventing such incidents from occurring. Students need to be adequately guided and informed about appropriate behavior and how to avoid situations that could result in unhealthy relationships with their teachers. Counseling should also be provided for those who might have experienced abuse or unwanted advances.
Self-control is a vital skill that both teachers and students need to cultivate. Teachers must learn to control their emotions and impulses when it comes to matters relating to their students. They must avoid any form of personal relationships with their students and focus on their role as educators. Likewise, students need to learn how to respect boundaries and understand that their teachers are not their friends, but rather their mentors. Both parties need to maintain a cordial and professional relationship and avoid anything that could be misconstrued as an illicit affair.
It is essential to understand that the responsibility of preventing such incidents goes beyond the teachers but involves all concerned parties, including the students.