Recognizing, Reporting, and Preventing Child Abuse- Case Study #1

Recognizing, Reporting, and Preventing Child Abuse

Case Study #1- One of your 4^th grade female students is very well developed physically and looks as if she is 15 instead of 9 years of age.  Today you heard a group of 5^th grade boys commenting on her body in a lewd and humiliating manner.  Two other teachers also heard these comments but blew them off as “boys will be boys,” and “she needs to get used to it.”

Consider teacher ethics and responsibilities, describe how you might respond to and handle this situation.

I chose this case study given it is likely I may encounter this as an elementary school teacher.  It is a fact that often times girls mature faster than boys and this can be especially apparent in 4^th and 5^th grade.  However, it is not acceptable for young boys to make “lewd and humiliating” comments or for teachers to allow such behaviors. 

My first response would be to ask my colleagues/ teachers, “Did you hear what those boys said?”  I can’t automatically assume they are blowing the comments off or thinking the girl needs to get used to it.  It may be that they didn’t hear the comments.  (If, however, that was, in fact, their reaction- it would definitely need to be addressed!  Our role as teachers is to protect our students and be advocates, not only for their education, but also their health and well-being.)  It would also be important to establish if any other teachers heard the comments and have that teacher be present and witnessing my approach of the boys- particularly since I am responding to potentially sexual comments. 

As soon as that is established, I would respond to the boys’ comments quickly.  Rather than talking to them about the situation openly around other students, I would escort them to the office and have them sit while I discuss the situation to a school supervisor/ principal.  With the support of the principal, the boys would be spoken to individually.  I would first allow them an opportunity to “fess-up” and explain what was said.  I would then discuss what was overheard- not recounting all the specifics but so that they are aware that I heard what was said.  If the boys had confessed to what was heard/said, I think it would be wise to notify the parents so that hopefully they can reinforce how this type of behavior will not be tolerated and is taken very seriously.  The young girls’ name, however, will be kept confidential. 

Finally and as soon as possible, I would document the entire event including the date, names of all those involved and specifically what was said and discussed.  I would also keep a watchful eye on the young girl involved- I am not sure if she overheard the comments and I wouldn’t want to embarrass or make her feel uncomfortable unnecessarily but it may be something the school psychologist could follow up on.