BBC Radio Scotland FM

The Teacher Taboo

Factual: Families & Relationships

Stark Talk

04/12/2014

BBC Radio Scotland - The Teacher Taboo

Edi Stark explores the taboo topic of teacher-pupil relationships.

Edi Stark explores the taboo topic of teacher-pupil relationships, talking to individuals who have been affected and hearing from educational psychologist Alan McLean.

In Scotland in recent years there have been four cases in Dumfries and Galloway, four in Edinburgh, "less than five" in Fife and several other cases in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow. At the end of February this year a 35 year-old female teacher narrowly escaped a jail term after kissing a 16 year-old boy. Last year two teachers - one in Bearsden and the other in Dumfries - were struck off by the General Teaching Council of Scotland for having inappropriate relationships with pupils. Edi Stark speaks to Lindsay Thomson the Head of Fitness to Teach, at the General Teaching Council, Scotland who tells us that only recently a former pupil contacted her to explain that she is still dealing with the aftermath of an affair she had with her teacher. Lindsay sets out that it is illegal for a teacher to have a relationship with a pupil even if they are above the age of consent. She explains it is a gross misuse of trust and can result in a prison sentence. Edi asks whether the use of social media can blur the boundaries and Lindsay sets out the guidelines in place to avoid teacher and pupils crossing these boundaries. Another former pupil who now lives in Glasgow also talks to Edi about an affair she had with her teacher and the impact that had on her and her family. Chartered educational psychologist Alan McLean explains why it is always an abuse of power for a teacher however young they are to have anything but a professional relationship with their pupil due to the asymmetrical nature of the relationship but he explains how it can happen. Alan Newland a former teacher with 20 years argues why young teachers may also be in a vulnerable position.

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