Reports of sexual harassment against teachers by students in South Korean elementary, middle, and high schools have surged by 77%, from 187 cases in 2018 to 331 cases in 2022. This alarming trend underscores a breakdown in educational authority, with students increasingly perceiving teachers as easy targets for harassment. Compounding the issue, the age of offending students is decreasing while the severity of the harassment escalates.
A review of cases reveals disturbing incidents that challenge belief. In one case, a middle school student in Daegu repeatedly harassed a teacher during class with comments like, “Did you sleep with Mr. XXX?” and “Looking at your back makes me want to do XXX.” In South Chungcheong Province, an elementary student cursed at a teacher with sexual slurs after being reprimanded during a science experiment. A middle school student in Seoul posted multiple sexually harassing messages about their homeroom teacher on social media. The prevalent attitude of leniency, considering offenders as “just students,” suggests that reported cases are only a fraction of the problem.
Educators argue that the situation has escalated beyond what can be managed by teacher patience or guidance. Effective measures are urgently needed. Institutional mechanisms should be established to ensure problematic students receive mandatory counseling and treatment. For repeat offenders or those committing severe acts, the “school principal notification system” should be effectively utilized. The system allows principals to request protective measures from family courts, although it is underused due to psychological pressures and potential backlash from parents.
Teachers continue to face accusations of “emotional abuse” under the Child Welfare Act from students or parents, complicating disciplinary actions. Clarifying the ambiguous concept of emotional abuse is necessary to prevent frivolous claims. Teachers who suffered harassment have no choice but to appeal initially to the teachers’ rights protection committee. However, there are criticisms that the committee lacks expertise and often causes secondary harm to the victimized teachers.
