Can I address a teacher's verbal abuse towards my daughter?

Full question:

My daughter is in 3rd grade. She was cold in class and couldn't stop moving and/or shivering at her desk. Her teacher came over to her and slammed all the papers she was carrying on my daughters desk, got in her face and yelled 'Stop moving! What are you, two years old?. She is known for making shameful/embarrassing comments, on an ongoing basis to get kids to comply. My question is this: Can I tell her she is really playing around the edges of verbal abuse and she better start making better choices with her language?

  • Category: Education
  • Date:
  • State: Kansas

Answer:

Verbal abuse involves using words to attack, control, or harm another person. It goes beyond mean behavior and can inflict psychological harm. Common forms of verbal abuse include angry outbursts, name-calling, shaming, and threats. In Kansas, school districts must adopt policies against bullying and provide staff training to prevent it.

Deciding whether to discuss the teacher's behavior with her or the school administration is a personal choice. You should consider the specific facts and circumstances of the situation. Under Kansas law, bullying includes any intentional act that creates an intimidating or abusive environment for students (K.S.A. 72-8256).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If your child is out of control, you can start by contacting a school counselor or psychologist for guidance. They can provide support and resources. If the behavior is severe, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or a family therapist who specializes in child behavior. Additionally, local support groups or parenting hotlines may offer helpful advice.