Letter from the Editor: if anybody - even a parent or teacher - touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell someone
A teacher is under investigation for inappropriate behaviour with two students
Dear readers
As I write this, we have a story in our paper about a teacher being under investigation for inappropriate behaviour with two students, who are sisters. The girls say the teacher had asked one of them to lunch and then driven to a quiet spot and assaulted her. The other said he had given her a lift home and touched her inappropriately. The police are investigating and we will know more as the case continues.
In the meantime, I am writing to offer you this advice. If a teacher asks you to lunch on your own, you need to discuss it with your parents. There could be perfectly good reasons for a teacher to want to treat you to lunch, but sometimes it might be that they want to get you alone for bad reasons. If you talk it through with your parents they should be able to advise you.
When your teacher asks you, say to them, “Let me check with my mum and dad, and I’ll let you know.” If their reasons are innocent, they will not mind. But if they joke about you hesitating, question your decision or suggest that you don’t tell your parents, then don't go. If they try to make it immediate, like “Oh, let's go for lunch now”, then the answer is no, you’re busy, your mum is expecting you, you have homework. But if they are happy to take you some other time when you are free, then you can run it by your parents.
Further, no teacher, or any other adult for that matter - even your parents - can touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. If they do, you need to tell your parents or another adult you trust.
It is often the case that adults who prey on children make the child feel as if they have done something wrong, given the adult permission in some way, or invited it. This is not the case and will not be an issue if you report the incident.
I know Hong Kong seems to be a very safe place, and in that way we’re lucky. But it can be very hard for someone who is being hurt to make the move to get help. Know that there are adults standing by to help you through any issues you are facing.
Stay safe
Susan, Editor