South Korea teacher faces child abuse complaints from parents of student who allegedly bit her

A kindergarten teacher in Sejong, South Korea, has been named in two child abuse complaints filed by the parents of a student who allegedly repeatedly bit and injured the teacher.

The case has prompted fellow teachers to stage protests calling for better protection in the workplace, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

On Nov. 5, the Sejong City Office of Education announced plans to protect teachers at the kindergarten while ensuring that the child could continue attending classes.

Parents filed 2 child abuse complaints

In July, the child's parents lodged a child abuse complaint against four kindergarten staff members: the principal, vice principal and two teachers.

The complaint arose after the kindergarten decided to send the child home following several incidents of aggressive behaviour.

Although the decision was made through mediation involving the education office, the parents claimed that the school had neglected their child.

Kindergarten staff later filed their own complaint against the child and the parents, citing violations of teachers' rights.

They alleged that the child had repeatedly bitten teachers, causing injuries, and damaged furniture and teaching materials.

The parents later filed another child abuse complaint, alleging that the teacher had strangled their child after discovering red marks on the child's body.

The teacher denied the accusation, maintaining that the marks were caused by the child scratching themselves.

Police began investigating the allegations and visited the kindergarten on Oct. 30 to collect CCTV footage, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.

Teachers hold silent protests

The Sejong branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers' Union (KTU) released photographs purportedly showing bite marks on the teacher's hands and arms, as well as injuries to the face.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the teacher was given a tetanus shot following an alleged biting incident.

The teacher was also diagnosed with a concussion after a fall in July.

In response to the complaints, fellow teachers staged silent protests during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

They held signs questioning whether all teachers were being regarded as potential child abusers.

A representative of KTU's Sejong branch criticised the complaints, saying the teacher had already experienced physical and psychological harm.

The union also urged the superintendent of education to pursue legal action against the parents.

Education office steps in

Following a complaint lodged by kindergarten staff, the Sejong education office established a teacher protection committee in August.

The committee directed the parents to provide a written apology and recommended psychological treatment for the child.

Despite these measures, the teacher and child continued attending the same kindergarten.

Separating the teacher and child proved difficult as the kindergarten operated its two classes together.

The child's guardians had applied for a transfer to a nearby kindergarten, but the request was rejected by the education office's special education committee.

The teacher was later placed on sick leave to temporarily separate them.

The education office subsequently sent a support team to the kindergarten and arranged legal assistance for the teacher.

It also announced plans to offer psychological counselling to staff and children, as well as referrals to specialist medical services.

An education office official acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers and said support would continue.

The office also said it would take steps to minimise disruptions to lessons arising from teachers' absences.