YES - Chris Keates, general secretary, NASUWT
The question, however, is academic because the right already exists. TheEducation Act 1996 gave teachers the power to restrain pupils with someprotection against accusations of using unreasonable force. The recentreport on behaviour recommended that this provision be reaffirmed. It isessential that this does not either lead to a misconception thatteachers can restrain pupils with immunity or encourage restraint to beconsidered as a first response. Restraint should only ever be used as alast resort.
NO - Chrissie Murray, UK Youth Parliament member for Merton
Teachers and pupils should be equal. However, with the clearance to"restrain pupils" it's incredibly easy for teachers to abuse that right.Teachers already have powers "to restrain pupils" but I believe thatteachers should be there to help the pupils express themselves throughpeaceful learning, not through a scheme of attack and defence that couldpotentially alienate students. The Government must rethink theimplications of these rights; they should give us a chance.
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