Dear Editor,

I am appalled and deeply troubled by reports of sexual relationships and inappropriate behaviour between teachers and students in our Jamaican schools. It’s a sickening betrayal of trust and a complete failure of our duty to protect our children. This isn’t just a “he said, she said” situation; these are children, entrusted to the care of adults, being preyed upon by the very people meant to nurture and educate them.

Since my own time as a student, and now as an educator, I’ve heard countless rumours about teacher-student relationships. While I don’t want to generalise, it’s undeniable that many of us have heard such things. And let’s be honest, how many cases are swept under the rug? How many predators are simply allowed to resign and move on to another school, another set of vulnerable victims?

This hush-hush approach only protects the predator. The predator just moves on to prey on another set of students at another school. This is unacceptable. These predators need to be named and shamed, their actions exposed so that justice can be served. Parents send their children to school to learn, not to be preyed upon by sexual deviants masquerading as educators. What is even more galling is that these predators not only betray the trust placed in them but also tarnish the reputations of dedicated male teachers, casting a shadow over the entire profession.

Yes, children, both boys and girls, can sometimes be precocious. Some may be overly exposed at home and exhibit inappropriate behaviour. However, teachers are educated adults; they are supposed to know the difference between right and wrong. No matter how a child behaves an adult has a responsibility to maintain professional boundaries. If a child approaches them inappropriately, the teacher’s duty is clear: report it to the administration or a guidance counsellor. Full stop. They need to set clear boundaries from the outset. Fraternising with students and becoming too friendly is unacceptable. These are children, many of whom are still developing and may misinterpret a little attention as something more.

The comments I’ve seen online, particularly on TikTok, are equally disturbing. The idea that “high school students aren’t children” is ludicrous and dangerous. The fact that someone admitted to being with a teacher at 16 and is now 22 doesn’t justify the abuse of power. And the most appalling comment of all: “If she ‘the child’ liked it, why is she talking?” This victim-blaming mentality is detestable. It reveals a profound lack of understanding of the dynamics of power and manipulation in these situations. How can anyone, in their right mind, blame an underage victim? How can anyone think a child “deserves” this kind of trauma? It’s beyond comprehension.

Schools must implement clear and enforceable protocols for reporting suspected abuse, with zero tolerance for any form of cover-up. Background checks should be thorough and rigorous, ensuring that potential teachers are fully vetted to identify any history of abuse or inappropriate behaviour. Continuous, comprehensive training is essential for educators, focusing on professional boundaries, child development, and recognising the signs of abuse. Victims of abuse must have immediate and easily accessible resources and support. Additionally, the Ministry of Education must ensure that school leaders are fully aware of the identities and faces of individuals found guilty of misconduct, ensuring they are never rehired in any school or facility that works with children.

Sexual misconduct within our schools is an issue that cannot be ignored. The safety and well-being of our children should always be our top priority, yet time and time again we see that trust is being betrayed by those who are meant to protect them. It is not enough to simply condemn these actions; we must take decisive, meaningful steps to prevent further harm. We must ensure that those who abuse their positions of power are held accountable and never allowed to repeat these heinous acts.

As a society, we need to grow up and stop normalising teenage girls being involved with much older men. It is revolting, and we must never turn a blind eye to it or excuse it. Blaming children for the actions of adults is a dangerous, misplaced mentality. We must hold the adults accountable. Our children deserve better, and as a society, we must rise above indifference and demand that real change is made for the sake of our future.

To my fellow educators: Your job is to educate the future of this country. You are meant to guide them and equip them with the skills they will need to succeed tomorrow. Do this — and no more.

Teddense Thomas

teddensetkt@gmail.com