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Are students safe from predators?
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Utah Parent | 11:15 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
NO!
Anonymous | 11:37 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
Utah parents put a lot of trust in the schools and teachers who teach and care
for our children for a good part of the day hours. Please do something. or
it's hello homeschool.
Anonymous | 11:56 p.m. Nov. 15, 2009
I think that Pratt case shows that the answer to the question posed is a big NO.
Comments continue below
Double Standard | 12:00 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I find it interesting that this article doesn't mention any of the several
cases of female teachers who have been sexually involved with students. So if
it's a male teacher having sex with a student it's wrong and harmful
and if it's a female teacher then it's not so bad? Predators are
dangerous whether they are male or female.
SchoolMom | 12:34 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure that
their child is safe, then keep them home where you can KEEP them safe. People
have become too naive and think that they can ask strangers, because that is
what they are, to take care of your children for 7-8 hours a day. I think it is
a parents job the keep their kids safe.
Product of society. | 4:50 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
We can't fault just the teachers, students are willingly participating too.
And nobody asks why. Codes of conduct must also apply to the students and
parents. It's more prevalent today in schools and the work place because
the young are looking for recognition and acceptance and sex always makes you
feel accepted regardless of who it is with.
The students and children don't get acceptance and emotional care at home so they turn to their peers and anyone who can offer it. Parents are forced to work over parenting of children and it has gotten out of control.
Parents have two choices, stay home and starve and live on the streets, or both work and dissolve parenting and a child's need of emotional care. It's so bad that many parents are sending their children to school to get fed during the day. They don't have time to fix breakfast let alone fix a sack lunch. The wallet seems to fix everything and this is what children see and learn. Cost of living, job slavery, and socialism are the biggest threat to our country, families, and children.
The students and children don't get acceptance and emotional care at home so they turn to their peers and anyone who can offer it. Parents are forced to work over parenting of children and it has gotten out of control.
Parents have two choices, stay home and starve and live on the streets, or both work and dissolve parenting and a child's need of emotional care. It's so bad that many parents are sending their children to school to get fed during the day. They don't have time to fix breakfast let alone fix a sack lunch. The wallet seems to fix everything and this is what children see and learn. Cost of living, job slavery, and socialism are the biggest threat to our country, families, and children.
AyreWolf Sezz | 6:12 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
For an adult male educator to take advantage of a young teen girl, is wrong, but
for a female educator to get kozy with a teen boy, for the teen boy depending on
what the teacher looks like is a dream. We used to call these things Teacher
crush's not a bad thing, its called teen genes gone wyld. I had one in 7th
grade that I wish would have gotten kozy with me, course that was 1970 things
were different then. I think this has blown way out of proportion.
Background Checks | 6:14 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Under current Utah law and funding, background checks for guns receive priority
and must be completed within a certain amount of time - they also receive more
funding.
Background checks for teachers do not receive priority and do not have the funding - hence, teachers and support staff at schools often are on the job long before any background check is ever done.
When our priorities put our kids last, they suffer the consequences.
Background checks for teachers do not receive priority and do not have the funding - hence, teachers and support staff at schools often are on the job long before any background check is ever done.
When our priorities put our kids last, they suffer the consequences.
steve | 6:36 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Neither, sadly, are teachers safe from students, or, their parents. It goes both
ways, where is that article?
Disillusioned | 7:13 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Former UT Teacher: Not all teachers are these people. The "few" give
everyone else a bad name.
To SchoolMom: You plan on keeping your kids at home until they're 80? How do you plan on really preparing them for the real world? Although children CERTAINLY are the victims here, over-protected children DO NOT know what to do.
Better parents prepare there children for the reality that anyone and everyone can be dangerous. That is what my parents did. Kept us safe from predatory people. Saved us, really. We survived the "real world" instead of being over-protected at home!
Oh--and just remember SchoolMom---evil people can be at home, at church, at the store. Everywhere. You plan on holding your kiddo's hostage until they're 80 just to "keep them safe"? I think it much more wise to teach kids, starting at the youngest ages, what "appropriate" adult behavior is and is not. Teach them how to fight, how to run. Teach them what to do. Practice it. Anything less is setting them up to be "victims".
And please....there are many teachers out there living ethically, and making sure your kids are safe!
To SchoolMom: You plan on keeping your kids at home until they're 80? How do you plan on really preparing them for the real world? Although children CERTAINLY are the victims here, over-protected children DO NOT know what to do.
Better parents prepare there children for the reality that anyone and everyone can be dangerous. That is what my parents did. Kept us safe from predatory people. Saved us, really. We survived the "real world" instead of being over-protected at home!
Oh--and just remember SchoolMom---evil people can be at home, at church, at the store. Everywhere. You plan on holding your kiddo's hostage until they're 80 just to "keep them safe"? I think it much more wise to teach kids, starting at the youngest ages, what "appropriate" adult behavior is and is not. Teach them how to fight, how to run. Teach them what to do. Practice it. Anything less is setting them up to be "victims".
And please....there are many teachers out there living ethically, and making sure your kids are safe!
To schoolmom | 7:18 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I realize I may be trampling on your sacred cow, but it seems naive to think
that simply by keeping kids home all day keeps them safe. Eventually they have
to leave and go out into that big scary world. It seems counter intuitive to
expect them to be able to navigate with one big shove out the door at 18. I
believe it's a parents job to keep kids safe, too, but it makes more sense
to teach them in increments. By sending them to school (where they do have
"safety" in their curriculum by the way) we show that we have
confidence in their abilities to make choices of who to spend time with and how
to interact with people. And then we are there for them when they get home. We
have a warm, open relationship with them. We do things together as a family,
have dinner together, LISTEN to them so that we can guide them through this
growing up process. No one is 100% safe anywhere, not even at home. Why not
teach them the skills to be watchful and protect themselves while they are young
so they will go into adulthood with confidence.
Curious | 7:30 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
What are you going to find in the background check that is going to prevent what
happened with the seminary principal? At Bountiful Junior? At Layton?
I know this makes great fodder for stay at home Relief Society moms, but what are the HR praticalities here?
I know this makes great fodder for stay at home Relief Society moms, but what are the HR praticalities here?
Paranoia | 7:46 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Yes, too many teachers have acted innapropriately with their students. It is
inexcusable every time!!!
But to think homeschooling and putting your kids in a bubble is ridiculous. 99% of teachers would never do anything inapropriate. Teachers need to help patrol each other and make sure their peers are not acting inapropriately. Parents need to teach their children to be aware of signs of a predator- not just teachers since there are other predators out there in the world.
Don't overreact!! Keep cool heads and realize there are bad things in the world but you can't keep your kids in a bubble to protect them. Ignorance is not bliss.
But to think homeschooling and putting your kids in a bubble is ridiculous. 99% of teachers would never do anything inapropriate. Teachers need to help patrol each other and make sure their peers are not acting inapropriately. Parents need to teach their children to be aware of signs of a predator- not just teachers since there are other predators out there in the world.
Don't overreact!! Keep cool heads and realize there are bad things in the world but you can't keep your kids in a bubble to protect them. Ignorance is not bliss.
Teacher | 7:52 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Committing sexual acts with students is beyond my comprehension. Any teacher who
does anything sexual with a student hurts every teacher in the world. Teachers
are not predators. Some people are obviously flawed and make mistakes that only
God can forgive. Don't blame all teachers for the few who make mistakes.
I find it sad that so many people want to destroy and attack public education in every way. This article is slander against teachers. The great deceiver is the only one who wants us to attack the most important things in this life: families, teachers, religion. Don't play into Satan's plan to destroy our society. Have faith that the world still has a lot of good left in it and other people can be trusted.
I find it sad that so many people want to destroy and attack public education in every way. This article is slander against teachers. The great deceiver is the only one who wants us to attack the most important things in this life: families, teachers, religion. Don't play into Satan's plan to destroy our society. Have faith that the world still has a lot of good left in it and other people can be trusted.
We need to be more open | 8:23 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Part of the problem is that a lot of Utah parents from my experience aren't
don't have an open communication line with their children about sexual
matters. So when stuff starts to happen the kids can only rely on what
they've heard from other kids, and aren't sure what is appropriate or
not. Then it get's to the point where they are too embarrassed to share
because those communication lines aren't open.
Also, we teach absolute respect for all adults which contributes to the problem. We need to teach our kids to be comfortable with their bodies, know what is good and bad, and teach them to have a healthy skepticism of adults who aren't acting normally.
Also, we teach absolute respect for all adults which contributes to the problem. We need to teach our kids to be comfortable with their bodies, know what is good and bad, and teach them to have a healthy skepticism of adults who aren't acting normally.
Anonymous | 8:41 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Yet another swipe at public education by the Dnews.
It is getting old.
It is getting old.
Ben Was Right!!! | 8:42 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
The guy from Granite was right. This recent rash of cases isn't happening
because a lack of policies or rules. It's happening because teachers
can't keep their pants on, and for some reason they think they can get away
with it. They know what they are doing is wrong, but why do they think the
gratification is worth the risk?
My reasoning says, there is just too much emphasis put on sex these days. Whether its video games, books, movies, or the ever increasing pressure to accept sex outside of marriage as normal, it's all playing a part in fall of our society!
My reasoning says, there is just too much emphasis put on sex these days. Whether its video games, books, movies, or the ever increasing pressure to accept sex outside of marriage as normal, it's all playing a part in fall of our society!
Listen | 8:57 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
I work with at risk teens, I think the biggest problems with some kids is that
some parents don’t teach their kids at home about certain things, they
think that church should teach them ethics and morals, and school should teach
them about life. Some of these girls seem to be emotional damaged all ready they
find someone who listens to them (teacher), and then there is a bond and
that’s where trouble begins. As a parent we feel like we have no time to
listen to our kids, it might sound stupid to us adults what they want to talk
about but to them it’s important. They will find someone that will listen,
that’s why girls will turn to a sexual relationship because it makes them
feel emotionally wanted, boys usually turn to a group of friends that might be
high drug users and get there needs met that way. So listen to your kids, know
what they are doing, a lot of times if they leave a group of friends that seem
to be good kids and start towards kids that seem bad, be wary! Ask the old
friends what’s going on, serious.
Checking administrators | 9:42 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
So are the administrators immune from the background check? They are the ones
who can call a student into their offices and have "alone" time with
them. Who is checking up on the administrators?
Dose of reality | 9:46 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Since 2/3 of all sexual abuse happens in the home with a relative or family
friend (and most go unreported due to the fact it causes more family issue),
I'm not sure they are any safer there. I work with children's social
issues and the public would be amazed at how much sexual abuse occurs at home.
I wonder if a story would be done about that?
Anonymous | 10:04 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
From what I just read, the ratio of bad teachers to good teachers is somewhere
around .00000001.
I know how to get rid of that .000000015=% of teachers, badmouth education, and all the good teachers that cre about giving your kids a quality education.
I know how to get rid of that .000000015=% of teachers, badmouth education, and all the good teachers that cre about giving your kids a quality education.
Teacher victims too | 10:36 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
There are teachers who are victims too! A false accusation against a friend of
mine destroyed his life. Kids are programmed by the media that sex is just a
casual thing. When kids know how to use it to their advantage it can be deadly
to an innocent adult (teacher). Teachers have to live in fear nowdays that some
kid will make a false accusation, and life as they know it will be over. Parents
need to be at the helm and teach their kids from a very early age what is and
isn't appropriate. They also need to teach kids that sex is not a casual
thing and that there are consequences for various behaviors. Sex Education
should also not be a school responsibility. This is like separating church and
state. In no way should a fifth grader be taught about sex from a teacher. Can
you say "Open Invitation For Trouble"? If sex education is required to
be taught by the schools, then it should also be a requirement that parents
attend during the instruction.
Protect kids and protect teachers.
Just a few thoughts to consider!!
Protect kids and protect teachers.
Just a few thoughts to consider!!
To Disillusioned | 11:29 a.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Don't pick on Schoolmom for giving an honest opinion. I don't blame
her for wanting to homeschool her kids when so many teachers choose to throw
their lives away for one happy, guilty hour with a student who is confused.
The student may be envied by his/her friends by be with an "older woman/man". They think they are loved, understood, and accepted. In schools you'll always hear references to sex or whatnot. Teens and TV shows make it seem like it's not a big deal. What are nowaday teens supposed to believe?
But you do have a point. If you shelter your children all their lives, they don't know what's out there and what to expect. Kids need to prepared at an early age on what's good and bad for your family. And not from a stranger, from their mother.
The student may be envied by his/her friends by be with an "older woman/man". They think they are loved, understood, and accepted. In schools you'll always hear references to sex or whatnot. Teens and TV shows make it seem like it's not a big deal. What are nowaday teens supposed to believe?
But you do have a point. If you shelter your children all their lives, they don't know what's out there and what to expect. Kids need to prepared at an early age on what's good and bad for your family. And not from a stranger, from their mother.
Keep them home! Oh, wait... | 12:10 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Don't send your kids to school because almost 5% of sexual abuse of youth
happens there. And don't send them to the park or other public place
because about 8% of abuse happens there. Don't leave them with
relatives--more than 10% there. And by all means, don't let them stay home.
More than 75% of abuse happens there.
On second thought, public school is probably the safest place for my kids to be.
On second thought, public school is probably the safest place for my kids to be.
Parent Tips | 12:11 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Good parenting skills can make a huge difference in situations like this. Here
are some tried and true tips for keeping your kids safe:
1. Listen to your children. We all know you are busy but take some time every day to really listen to what your child is talking about. Do they talk about spending one-on-one time with a teacher? Does the teacher ask them to come in before or after school (teacher initiated and not student)? Are they receiving gifts or "unwanted" attention from a teacher? These can be red flags.
2. Periodically visit your child's classroom (particularly before and after school). Is the classroom door always open? Is the teacher alone with one student? These can be red flags.
3. Is your child communicating with a teacher outside of school hours with email or text messaging. I know many teachers will disagree with this but these can be red flags that something is not right. No teacher (if they desire to keep their job) will be chatting or texting a student during the middle of the night!
Unfortunately, these tips are not catch-all when it comes to pervs. But, they are a start.
1. Listen to your children. We all know you are busy but take some time every day to really listen to what your child is talking about. Do they talk about spending one-on-one time with a teacher? Does the teacher ask them to come in before or after school (teacher initiated and not student)? Are they receiving gifts or "unwanted" attention from a teacher? These can be red flags.
2. Periodically visit your child's classroom (particularly before and after school). Is the classroom door always open? Is the teacher alone with one student? These can be red flags.
3. Is your child communicating with a teacher outside of school hours with email or text messaging. I know many teachers will disagree with this but these can be red flags that something is not right. No teacher (if they desire to keep their job) will be chatting or texting a student during the middle of the night!
Unfortunately, these tips are not catch-all when it comes to pervs. But, they are a start.
Anonymous | 12:13 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
One of the problems is not just the predatory pervs, it is also a society that
blames VICTIMS when they come out about abuse. This discourages people from
turning in these creeps and they continue to abuse others.
If anyone is a victim of abuse, report it and get these people prosecuted.
If anyone is a victim of abuse, report it and get these people prosecuted.
Both ways | 12:55 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
My son was a very good 6th grade teacher, but all it took was one kid
threatening him with an accusation when she didn't get her way, and now the
district has lost a good teacher, and my son is in school back east to be
anything but a teacher. My daughter taught high school science, and she had
multiple students who were always hitting on her - she is also now in grad
school - where one student continues to write her, even after his mission. It
gives her the willeys. Parents may console themselves saying that the teacher
is the "adult" and "should have known" how to act with the
kids. Well, there are lots of kids out there who don't have parents, just
"best friends" who live in the master bedroom of the house. Those
kids need parents who set bounds for them that are way far away from what the
kids see 18 hrs a day on TV. The parents are right that the teachers did wrong,
but those little 16 - 17 year old angels aren't lilly white, either; are
they?
Anonymous | 1:08 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Stop writing horrible stories about public ed while touting charter schools in
the rest of your education stories.
The slant is getting old and tired.
The slant is getting old and tired.
School Choices | 1:41 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
As parents, we are all taking measures in protecting our kids in different ways.
One of the most important stewardship responsibilities is our kids. Should a
parent decide to select a public school, charter school, home school, or private
school and are at peace with this decision and are happy with the outcome (the
kids are getting a great education given by great teachers) then I'm happy
for them. Parents choices will differ from one another because of the area they
live in, jobs, education choice, etc. That's the beauty of our nation the
freedom of choice. That's LIFE as we know it. It's appalling to read
comments by haughty readers who are ignorant to others situation and can't
accept choices made by parents who differ from their own.
Anonymous | 1:52 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
When my daughter hand me a class disclosure to sign, I notice the teacher asked
not only for my email address but also the student's email and personal
information. Not only I returned the disclosure with a note to the teacher
asking her why she's requesting the student's email address and
personal information but also I emailed the principal about it. If the teacher
needs to talk to the student, she can do it at her classroom. If she needs to
talk to the parents, send a note or an email thru the school administration. The
school is supposed to be the recipient of students and parents information and
the communication channel between staff, parents, and students. A teacher should
not have his/her students emails or cell phone numbers. There is no reason for
it and it saves a lot of headaches.
Here is wisdom | 5:59 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
School Choices, you are basically saying that all parents are doing the right
thing. I think most parents try, but you have to admit that more and more
parents aren't raising their kids properly. Remember that over 2/3 of all
sexual abuse occurs in the home while only 5% happens at school. Perhaps we
should do background checks on all parents while we are at it. While every
single instance of sexual abuse is inexcusable, we need to tread carefully or
else Utah will gain a reputation as a hostile environment to all law abiding
educators. Go ahead and do background checks, but this feeding frenzy in
trashing the entire education profession because of the actions of a few is
obnoxious. This story is slanted and biased--making stereotypical sleights at
the education profession even though 99.9% of teachers are behaving
professionally. The graphic was also insulting. Perhaps a warning needs to be
sent out to all prospective educators advising them to steer clear of Utah--an
anti-public education state.
Do background checks work? | 6:38 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009
Would background checks have caught any of the recent perps? Most of the
teacher/perps that were caught would have passed a background check.
Everyone needs to be more vigilant to help protect all children. Teachers and administrators know when teachers are crossing the line.
Everyone needs to be more vigilant to help protect all children. Teachers and administrators know when teachers are crossing the line.
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