Teachers Reported for Child Abuse While Restraining Special Needs Child... Calls Grow to Protect Legitimate Guidance

Teachers guiding a special needs preschooler have been reported for child abuse, but is it necessary to hear their side of the story as well?

This incident took place at a public kindergarten in Sejong.

Two teachers in charge of a special needs preschooler, along with the headmaster and vice-headmaster, were reported to the police by a guardian on charges of child abuse and neglect.

According to teachers' organizations, the child in question has repeatedly exhibited agitation and aggressive behavior since last year, prompting teachers to intervene to ensure the safety of other children.

In the process, the teachers suffered injuries from being repeatedly bitten on their hands and arms, and they claimed that one teacher even suffered a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion.

Teachers' organizations emphasized that legitimate guidance to restrain sudden behavior in special education settings should not be judged as child abuse, and urged that the circumstances at the time and the educational purpose be comprehensively examined.

In fact, this type of controversy is not the first of its kind.

Back in 2023 at another kindergarten in Sejong, a teacher who restrained a preschooler exhibiting violent behavior was indicted on child abuse charges and sentenced to a fine of 5 million won in the first trial.

Teachers' organizations urged authorities to revise child abuse-related laws to protect legitimate guidance and to strengthen professional support for special education settings.

(Photo courtesy of: Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union, Sejong Branch)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.