Most discussion about bullying in schools revolves around concern for children who are being intimidated by others and forced to be subjected to violation of their individual rights. However, a survey conducted by the Swedish children’s magazine, Kamratposten, opens the door to a new issue — are teachers the bullies in schools? An estimated 16% of children responded that their teacher bullied them and many cited examples of verbal bullying. An eight year old child commented, “he said I was slow as a tortoise.”
Editor Ola Lindholm, noted her surprise at the 16% figure: “I would have hoped that the figure would have been lower… But, it is a well known fact that there are teachers out there that violate the integrity of their pupils.” It is a rather sad commentary on life when children have to fear their teachers!
