They say that discipline starts at home, and that teachers are the second parents of the students. But at what point will parents discipline their own kids instead of relying on the educators? At what point will teachers be allowed to discipline unruly kids inside the class before parents call in “child abuse” accusations?
A recent incident sparked these questions after a teacher from the Burabod Elementary School in Burauen, Leyte identified as Mr. Alpino was caught in a video making several students squat and slapping their hands with a broom (walis tingting).
In the video shared by a relative of one of the students, Marlon Cruz Daa-Conde, the children were seen squatting near the wall as the teacher went around to hit them.
Upon analysis of the video, it was believed that the teacher inquired the group of students in the video about who was the culprit in the alleged bullying of another student. The kids in question allegedly undressed the victim and they inserted their fingers into the student’s anus.
Alarmed, the parents of the victim whose identity was not revealed for the minor’s safety, alerted the teacher of the incident.
On the other hand, Conde wants the teacher to be removed from the school pointing out the act to be a case of child abuse.
Meanwhile, the Leyte Education Division reassured the public that “any concerns or issues concerning learners’ rights and protection will be handled with the utmost urgency.”
“Its primary objective is to ensure the creation of a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment for all students,” the Leyte Division said in a statement. DepEd division office also maintained that it is “committed to upholding the learners’ rights and protection.”
“It is firm in its stance against all forms of violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and any other manifestations of abuse within the educational system.”
Who is at fault?
In light of the issue, many netizens are siding with the teacher pointing out that the teacher was in fact giving the parents of the children in question a favor by disciplining them when the parents cannot.
“Ano man pasagdan nala? Pabor pa ngan tun ha kag-anak kay gin didisiplina ira anak. Pirahay la tun. Mas grabi pa ngan an amon han una. Salit man it mga bata yana waray gihap mga batasan kay may mga kag-anak nga kunsintedor,” netizen Hannah posted.
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