Pupils use mobiles to 'bully' teachers

According to the Times online, it's not just children who are subject to bullying by SMS, but teachers are harrased as well.

"Teachers have complained of “bullying” by pupils who use mobile phones to film them losing their temper and then send the videos to their friends for amusement.

According to one teen, “The idea is to get the teacher to blow their top and then play it back to amuse your friends.”

Often, the pupils goad staff into “ranting for the camera” to make the video as entertaining as possible.

The phenomenon has caused such concern that it is to be raised in a motion at this week’s annual conference of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers in Gateshead.

“In some cases, teachers’ heads have been superimposed on another image to make them look stupid and the whole thing posted on an internet site.”

... The videos are not violent, unlike “happy slapping”, in which youths film each other attacking people. Teachers are worried, however, that the videos expose them to humiliation and, if seen by parents or colleagues, may damage their careers.

Some observers point out, however, that the threat of covert filming may prompt teachers to curb their tempers and maintain high standards themselves. "

emily | 8:50 AM | Bullying by SMS |
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