In a shocking case of insensitivity and gross ill treatment of by her tuition teacher, a 7-year-old girl was severely beaten with a belt in Bengaluru for not finishing her homework.
The girl's parents were horrified to see see bruises all over her body after she returned from her tuition class last week. The seven-year-old girl, Latha, is a student of the St Joseph School in Nelamangala. They got the shock of her life when the poor girl told them that she was beaten by her tuition teacher with a belt!
According to the Nelamangala police, infuriated with the girl for not finishing her homework, Latha allegedly grabbed a leather belt and 'beat the little girl black and blue'.
"We learned that Latha would beat students who were weak in studies, but the parents used to blame their own children,"said an investigating officer as saying to the media.
In spite of many parents having noticed bruises on their children's bodies, this is the first official complaint registered, the officer said.
"But this is the first complaint we have received against the teacher. A case has been booked against her," he said and now the 40-year-old teacher is absconding.
Coaching classes are a very common trend in India and while this is a one off case, Latha's case can a warning sign for parents who send their kids to tuition or coaching classes. Here are a few things parents should always keep in mind before sending their child to a coaching institute:
1. Have all the details: Always inquire about the teacher and never go for one that is relatively new, unless and until you are very sure about his contacts and personal details.
2. Speak to the authorities: If you plan to send your child to a coaching institute, make sure you meet the authorities and clear all your doubts regarding the safety of your child.
3. Call the teacher home: If your child is really small (less than 10-years-old), it would be a good idea to look for a teacher who can teach your child at home.
4. Don't force your child: Lastly, while it is important for kids to study and finish their homework, parents should always remember that your child is your priority and nothing can be above his safety and well-being. Never force your child and enrol him to coaching classes just because all kids of his age are attending them.
5. Look for signs: If your child's behaviour suddenly looks changed or he complains about his teacher or other problems that he faces in the tuition class, never ignore them and find out what the real cause is.
Also read: Why I don't refuse to send my four-year-old to extracurricular classes after school
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