what do you think of teachers touching children??

Question

im doing a research paper about teachers touching children (in positive, non-sexual ways), and given the anxiety about child sexual abuse, do you guys think that there should be touch policies regarding teachers touching young children in school (preschool and elementary school) and young childcare settings? Should touch be allowed, or should there be a no-touch policy? Should touch be limited? Should touch be able to be used freely (given that its not sexual or physically abusive)? Any and all opinions will help me open my mind to alternate views and ideas that I havent come across in the literature and in my own thinking. Thanks!!

Answer 1

I teach preschool, and during my entire day I am hugged, kissed , kids love to sit on my lap or hold my hand. At my school I have to occasionally help a child dress - but I never wipe bottoms or use touch as a disciplinary action, like hitting or pushing etc.... Children learn best when they feel they are in a safe environment. Being touched is soothing and comforting to children as long as it is appropriate.

Answer 2

I work in a junior high. I often have students run up to me, basically crash into me, and either hug me or just rub against me. I've got two bruises from this week alone! I'm happy they trust me that much, but I don't think their behaviour is appropriate and I immediately put some space between us. While I don't believe in a no-touch policy, I think that physical contact should be minimized. If students know that you are open to touching and/or being touched, they may later take advantage of that knowledge if there is a disagreement. When I was a student I didn't appreciate being touched by my teachers (even a pat on the back was unnecessary, I thought), and I would rather appear to be a little distant than accidentally make a student feel uncomfortable by touching them. As you can never tell exactly where a student's personal boundaries lie, I think it's best to keep touching to a minimum.

Answer 3

I don't teach young children, I teach 11th grade high-schoolers, but I have to believe that there is a distinct difference between harmful touching and positive touching. I will often touch a student on the arm or on the shoulder when talking to them--especially when praising them or helping to answer a question. I have many students who come to me for advice and give me hugs and none of them feel awkward about it. However, there is a clear and distinct line. NEVER, EVER should a teacher discipline a child by hitting, kicking, grabbing, slapping or any other physical abuse. In addition, no teacher should ever touch a student in any sexual fashion--no breasts, no chest (male or female), no legs, no behind, no stomach. There are safe areas--shoulder, back, arm--and inappropriate areas. I hope this was helpful!

By the way, I agree w/DWE that it may be more appropriate for a woman than a man. Also, there are some kids who may find it uncomfortable, but I've found that in my experience, those kids usually tell me that they are uncomfortable being touched.

Answer 4

I work at a junior high and the kids hug, high five, shake hands, and do "secret handshakes" (keep in mind not sexual or physical abuse) with me everyday. Now, when it comes to hugs, I will hug back but I never start the hug. There are students that you know appreciate a pat on the back or whatever, but working in the schools you know the students that do not want touched or only if they start it. Touching is such a big part of life since everyone expects hand shakes or other types of touching in the world that the students really need to 'get used to it' for lack of a better phrase.

Answer 5

I am a high school teacher. This has become a very difficult thing in school. Elementary children need hugs when they are happy and when they are sad. I've seen elementary teachers at my school hugging them a lot. Not having a lot of experience at that level, other than walking through their part of the building, I can't comment much more on that age.
For teenagers, I have a hands-off policy. I will not touch a student for any reason, not even to say 'good job.' If a student initiates a hug, for example, a former student comes back to school to say hello, then I will hug back.
Kids are very aware of the laws available to them and they will not hesitate to tell you so. Best to play it safe!

Answer 6

I am a teacher in elementary school. I feel touch is very important, hugs, pats on the back, etc. However, as kids get older. middle school, high school, you need to be more careful. I think it is more accepted if a woman does this, but men teachers need to be more careful. Teenagers can misinterpret things like a hug from teachers, especially men. Touch has been proven to relax people, lower blood pressure and give a sense of well being. Who doesn't need a good hug, or a touch on the arm to reassure us that all is OK. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Answer 7

all children respond to genuine affection. - in the younger child they sometimes need that reassuring hug, pat on the head. our elementary school is small, 500 students from k to 6th grade. at the beginning of every school year there is an open house, where i meet the teacher and have made it a point to tell them i want them to feel free to hug my children. that i feel that if hugging my upset ,scared child will ease her fears then please do so. its a lot better then having the school call because a hysterical child just needs some human contact. most children now a days are taught at home about "good- bad " touching so its not something i really fear will happen.

Answer 8

I think it's perfectly fine to have touching in a "positive, non-sexual way". I think that there shouldn't be any disciplining via touching (abuse) and of course there should be screening processes to avoid sexual predators.

I think the gain outweighs the cost. You touch on the cost well in your question, but there is no way that a "no touch" philosophy is beneficial to kids. I mean, what are "we" really trying to protect them from? Let's be realistic, teachers don't make very much money, they become teachers because they are good people and want to help society, and we should be supportive of them, not restrictive of their activities.

My $0.02

Answer 9

I subbed for four months...nothing makes you feel as good as a bunch of kids (first graders) wanting to give you a big hug. Sucks that nowadays people's minds are so far in the gutter that even putting a hand on a kid's shoulder is "inappropriate".

Man, I'm glad I was a kid when I was. These days suck.

Answer 10

good question....I think touch should be limited and perhaps cameras should be placed in every classroom to ensure that nothing is awry and that the teachers are covering the approved material...I think simple cameras or faculty sit-ins would solve the problem!!!