Ethical Behavior of Teachers: Scenario Analysis Report - University

This report addresses a complex ethical dilemma faced by a teacher in a school setting. The scenario involves a student, Josh, exhibiting bullying behavior, including inappropriate language and harassment towards a younger student, Sarah. Furthermore, Josh alleges that Sarah is a victim of sexual abuse by her father. The report identifies the problems of bullying, harassment, and potential child abuse. It explores the ethical responsibilities of teachers and analyzes the situation within the framework of Australian legislation, policies, and guidelines. The report examines relevant literature on bullying, child sexual abuse, and safe school environments. It recommends interventions for both students, including addressing Josh's behavior and providing support and protection for Sarah. The report emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, highlighting the role of schools in ensuring their wellbeing and development.

Running head: ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Ethical Behaviour of Teachers
Student’s Name:
University:
Author’s note:

1ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Executive summary:
The following paper is an attempt to identify and resolve a hypothetical scenario of an ethical
conflict of a teacher. The given scenario describes a situation where a student of a slightly
older age bullies his peers with casual sexual remarks and specifically harasses a girl student
with explicit and improper language. Further, he reports that the girl is a victim of sexual
abuse perpetrated by her primary caregiver. Therefore, the teacher needs to intervene for the
bullying and observed problematic sexual behaviour of the former student as well as provide
required assistance to the later for ensuring her security and wellbeing. The paper is a report
of the said scenario that indicates the problem in the first place, identifies the seriousness of
the matters by explaining them in terms of legal and regulatory frameworks. Further, it
presents legislations, government policies and scholarly reports to support the hypothesis.
The report also recommends probable interventions and assistance for both the students,
fortifying the recommendations by another literature. It concludes on a note of the vision of
making schools safe spaces for children’s learning and development.

2ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Identification of the problem......................................................................................................3
Source of information................................................................................................................5
Legislation and policies to prevent the problem........................................................................6
Literature in aid of the intervention...........................................................................................7
Bullying – Know Your Rights, Violence, Harassment and Bullying Fact Sheet
(Australian Human Rights Commission 2012)..................................................................7
How bullying is being eliminated in Australian schools (The Good Schools Guide 2018)
............................................................................................................................................7
Final Report Volume 10: Children with harmful sexual behaviours (Royal Commission
into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 2017) page 9....................................7
Preventing and responding to child sexual abuse and exploitation: Evidence review
(Radford, Allnock and Hynes 2015)..................................................................................8
Recommendations......................................................................................................................9
Literature to support the recommendations..............................................................................10
Final Report Volume 13: Schools (Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to
Child Sexual Abuse 2017.................................................................................................10
Conclusion................................................................................................................................11
References................................................................................................................................12

3ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Introduction
Being a teacher involves a lot of responsibility. It not just focuses on the learning and
development of skills of a student, rather it aims at their wellbeing and development in
entirety. Hence, a teacher must be aware of his or her ethical responsibilities as well. As per
the Australian government’s policies and regulations, schools are meant to be a safe space for
children, where they can confide in their teachers and instructors and obtain required
assistance regarding any ethical, legal or personal crisis.
As a teacher, it is imperative to keep a closer watch on the students that he/she is
assigned with and take necessary actions as need arises. In this following report, such a
situation will be discussed where one of the students needed intervention for his inappropriate
behaviour, which in turn led to the revelation of another case of sexual abuse and violence of
a girl student that needed immediate assistance.
In this paper, the said scenario will be discussed as the identification of the problem
followed by an in-depth analysis of the situation in terms of legal and regulatory frameworks.
The paper will conclude with recommendations regarding the prevention and resolution of
the problems in question.
Identification of the problem
The school maintains a vertical form class management, where children of different
age-group are enrolled together for a weekly period where they can discuss their personal
developmental issues. The class is moderated and conducted by a teacher nevertheless. In this
particular class, there are 27 students from the class years 7 to 12. Evidently, there is an
understandable age difference among the students. The school maintains that organizing
classroom sessions involving students of a mixed age group can offer a beneficial approach to

4ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
their streamlined ability or unique needs. However, managing students of different age and
maturity level is a difficult task at times, for they may not be able to understand different
personal, social and moral issues in the same way.
Besides, the male-female student ratio in a classroom also play an important role in
managing social and ethical issues. For instance, a group dominated largely by male
individuals may have a hard time ensuring proper training for women safety or harassment,
for the common social practices in Australia are still not free from patriarchal notions and
attitudes.
Particularly in this situation in question, there have been incidents of problematic
sexual behaviour of a student as well as of bullying and mental abuse, which incidentally
revealed a problem even more serious in nature—a probable case of sexual abuse of a minor.
Josh, a student of class year 11, has some issues with his behavioural problems which
needed acute intervention. He tends to tease his juniors, often coloured with improper and
illicit language, mostly sexual in nature. This can be identified as a case of bullying. Further,
he specifically harasses Sarah, a student of class year 7 with explicit sexual remarks and
indications, which is a clear case of mental abuse and problematic sexual behaviour.
Apparently, he has no idea regarding the misconduct and he maintains a casual approach
towards it, which is undesirable and a concerning factor in terms of his mental development.
What is more alarming in this scenario is his admission of sexual abuse that Sarah
receives from none but her father. Although Sarah herself has made no disclosure about the
fact, the truth of the claim has to be explored and dealt with proper care and legal methods.
Also, it is necessary to provide her with required care and assistance so that she can confide
on her teachers and come forward with her difficulties. Otherwise, the vision of making
schools a safe space for children will never materialize. Even if the allegation are not true,

5ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Sarah still needs to learn how to deal with the advancements and harassments that she faces
from Josh. She has to be made aware of her rights against such misconducts and mental
abuse. This, eventually, will help her achieve empowerment.
Furthermore, it is also the duty of a teacher to make the students understand the
seriousness of the matter and train them how to handle such instances. The morality and the
legality of the issue has to be made clear to them so that they can refrain from such activities
as well as prevent them in their future lives.
Source of information
The problem in question, namely the harassment as well as the bullying was primarily
recognised by observations of the students’ conduct and behaviour. Further, the case of
sexual abuse on Sarah’s part was reported by a very casual remark made by Josh. He also
admittedly reports that it is a known fact to everyone that knows Sarah. This is also very
alarming, for the nonchalant approval of such a horrible conduct indicates that women safety
in the society is still a concerning issue, which requires more effort and vigilance.
Now, both harassment and sexual abuse are criminal offences according to the
Australian law as they violate the basic human rights of dignity, health and security.
According to WHO Human Reproduction programme’s report (World Report on Violence
and Health 2002), sexual violence is a serious crime as it violates both public health and
human rights. It has major consequences on both short term and long term effects on mental
as well as physical health. UNICEF also recognizes the rights of protection from all forms of
violence as mentioned in Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (ICRC).
The Australian government also stipulates prevention of sexual abuse against children by its
legislations. Although the different provinces of the country has different laws against sexual
abuse, all of them criminalizes this conduct.

6ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Apart from sexual abuse, bullying and mental harassment is also dealt with zero
tolerance by the Australian legislation. It is recognized as a criminal offence under anti-
discriminatory laws. The Australian Human Rights Commission mandates that every citizen
has the right to be safe from harassment and bullying. (Australian Human Rights Commission
2012)
Hence, following the legislations and international human rights policies, addressing
the situation is of prime importance for the school authority. And being a part of the system,
as a teacher it is imperative to take initiative to resolve the problems.
Legislation and policies to prevent the problem
In Australia, legislations against sexual abuse and family violence is under the
jurisdiction of respective states. However, all of them criminalizes sexual assault and
violence on children. For example, Australian Capital Territory upholds Crimes Act 1900
Part 3, Victoria follows Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), Queensland follows Criminal Code Act
1899 (Qld) etc. (AIFS 2011). This indicates that sexual abuse is treated as a matter of prime
importance and needs to be addressed as per the legislation. Parliament of Australia has
ratified mandatory reporting by schools and workplaces across the country although with
some degree of difference in description of the act in respective states and territories. (AIFS
2011)
The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) report also mentions peer sexual
attack and children with concerning behaviours as matters of concern and mandates the
associated institutions and individuals to report to appropriate authority. It maintains that
instead of labelling such children as perpetrators, schools and other youth-focused institutions
must comprehend their situation and provide appropriate intervention. (AIFS 2011)

7ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
Literature in aid of the intervention
Bullying – Know Your Rights, Violence, Harassment and Bullying Fact Sheet
(Australian Human Rights Commission 2012)
The report asserts that bullying and harassment is an abuse of human rights. Everyone
has a right to feel safe and to be treated fairly and equally. This assertion indicates the right to
be free from mental, physical and emotional violence. For every institution, both government
and non-government along with every individuals should respect and abide by this mandate.
More specifically, it indicates that the schools have the responsibility to provide a safe and
secure environment free from any such violence. This insurance is necessary to protect the
right to education.
How bullying is being eliminated in Australian schools (The Good Schools Guide 2018)
The report points out that the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations of Australia has launched the National Safe Schools Framework in 2011 with the
vision that states all students has the right to learn and develop in a safe and supportive
environment. The framework puts emphasis on student’s wellbeing and protection. Hence, it
is also imperative for the school in question to maintain the framework and facilitate safe and
protected learning environment for its students.
Final Report Volume 10: Children with harmful sexual behaviours (Royal Commission
into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse 2017) page 9
The report recognizes that not only adults are responsible for mental or sexual abuse
of children, it also represents the occurrence of abuse on children by other children with
harmful sexual behaviour. However, this perpetration is not addressed adequately by
institutions and families, though it may have severe long-term mental and physical impacts

8ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
on the survivors. The report also recognizes that early identification and interventions are
needed in such cases to secure safety of children within institutions.
Preventing and responding to child sexual abuse and exploitation: Evidence review
(Radford, Allnock and Hynes 2015)
This articles is addressed by UNICEF to define sexual abuse on children. The
definition is as following: “Engaging in sexual activities with a child who, according to the
relevant provisions of national law, has not reached the legal age for sexual activities (this
does not apply to consensual sexual activities between minors), and engaging in sexual
activities with a child where use is made of coercion, force or threats; or abuse is made of a
recognised position of trust, authority or influence over the child, including within the family;
or abuse is made of a particularly vulnerable situation of the child, notably because of a
mental or physical disability or a situation of dependence.” (Source: Article 18 of the Council
of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual
Abuse, 2007.)
According to this definition, Sarah’s situation needs to be verified and consequently
reported to appropriate authority for her security and wellbeing. Even if not sexually abused,
she has to be checked for the bruises as Josh has mentioned and explored whether she is
being subject to any physical violence within her family, for the same article by UNICEF
recognizes violent discipline or corporal punishment as abusive as any other form of abuse.
Also, UNICEF recognizes bullying as a form of human rights violation and defines it
as "intentional and aggressive behaviour occurring repeatedly against a victim where there is
a real or perceived power imbalance, and where the victim feels vulnerable and powerless to
defend himself or herself. The unwanted behaviour is hurtful: it can be physical, including
hitting, kicking and the destruction of property; verbal, such as teasing, insulting and

9ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
threatening; or relational, through the spreading of rumours and exclusion from a group".
(Olweus 1993) This indicates that Josh is indulging harmful behavioural tendencies and has
to be intervened to secure the learning environment of the school.
Recommendations
As a member of concerned institution, the teacher must intervene in this situation and
follows mandatory reporting policy as the situation may seem necessary. To deal with the
said scenario, there are certain necessary steps to be taken. Besides, there are some additional
efforts that can be helpful in managing the situation.
First of all, an enquiry has to be made to find out the truth of Josh’s claim about
Sarah’s situation. However, reporting the authority regarding the matter or talking directly to
the suspected perpetrator will be disadvantageous at this stage. Instead, the student has to be
taken in confidence to disclose her situation to the teacher. Usually, victims makes disclosure
to their mother or peers, or occasionally to their teachers as they seek emotional support and
security. In this case, Sarah must be given the assurance of safety and confidentiality so that
she can confide in the teacher or some of her peers.
Secondly, if found to be true, Sarah’s assault has to be reported to appropriate
authority and she must be placed in appropriate care. Also, she may need expert assistance
for her mental as well as physical wellbeing which the must be provided to her.
Thirdly, the school must conduct awareness programmes and age-appropriate training
for students so that they can identify cases of sexual harassment and violence and have the
required courage to take necessary actions against such misconducts.
On the other hand, for Josh’s behavioural problems, interventions are to be held.
Punishments or detrimental actions may result in adverse manner. Hence, he needs to be

10ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
counselled and observed for further misconduct. Also, consulting his parents or caregivers is
essential to make them aware of the situation.
Further, the students in this context are to be informed and guided regarding bullying,
sexual harassment and child abuse. This is important not just for their comprehension of
preventive measures, this intervention and awareness programmes will also help them
understand the magnitude of the said misconducts and refrain from such activities
themselves.
Additionally, the nonchalance of Josh’s claim is a concerning issue. If all the students
have known Sarah’s situation for a while now, and yet no one reported, it means either they
are not aware of the seriousness of the matter or their attitude towards such issues involve
harmful social consideration, patriarchal notions or simply taboos. In any case, intervention is
required for the larger student community to change their understanding and attitudes.
Including parents or caregivers of the students may also be effective in this regard.
Finally, the school has to implement proper and effective complaining and monitoring
procedure so that students can report activities of bullying and abuse without any fear or
hesitation. This is a significant aspect for making the school a safe space for children.
Literature to support the recommendations
Final Report Volume 13: Schools (Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to
Child Sexual Abuse 2017) page 9-10
The report is an examination of institutional responses to child sexual and mental
abuses in primary and secondary schools of Australia. The report also recommends effective
interventions to prevent abuse occurring in schools. The public health approach model is
prescribed by the report to prevent harmful and problematic sexual behaviours by children. It

11ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
also mentions three stages of intervention- primary and secondary and tertiary to deal with
the child showing such behaviours.
It also prescribes methods to ensure effective response to abuse. Monitoring and
communicating with the children as well as documenting and sharing necessary information
with relevant agencies are some of the prescribed methods of this report. Also, it recommends
clear policies of schools to address such incidents, communicating with families and
community members and early interventions.
Conclusion
In the given scenario, a case of harmful sexual behaviour by children, bullying and a
probable case of sexual abuse of children are to be addressed. Following the legislations of
Australia and scholarly literatures, it can be concluded that early intervention, careful
monitoring and mandatory reporting are the necessary steps to be taken by the teacher. To
ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in school, it is imperative to provide a safe
environment to them. Hence, a teacher must take the responsibility to provide the sense of
security and confidence to the students

12ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS
References
Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2011). Sexual assault laws in Australia. [online]
Available at: https://aifs.gov.au/publications/sexual-assault-laws-australia [Accessed 19 Aug.
2019].
Humanrights.gov.au. (2012). Bullying - Know Your Rights: Violence, Harassment and
Bullying Fact sheet | Australian Human Rights Commission. [online] Available at:
https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/commission-general/bullying-know-your-rights-
violence-harassment-and-bullying-fact-sheet [Accessed 19 Aug. 2019].
Olweus, Dan, 1993. Bullying at School: What we know and what we can do (Understanding
Children’s Worlds). Wiley-Blackwell.
Radford, L., Allnock, D. and Hynes, P., 2015. Preventing and responding to child sexual
abuse and exploitation: Evidence review. New York: UNICEF.
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2017). Royal
Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Final Report. [online]
Barton: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, p.9.
Available at: https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/schools [Accessed 19 Aug.
2019].
The Good Schools Guide. (2018). How bullying is being eliminated in Australian schools |
Good Schools Guide. [online] Available at:
https://www.goodschools.com.au/insights/education-updates/how-bullying-is-being-
eliminated-in-australian-schools [Accessed 19 Aug. 2019].