Child abuse in schools hit the headlines in Thailand last month. The spotlight is on one of the country’s most prominent private school networks ‘Sarasas’ after allegations were made against a kindergarten teacher. CCTV footage leaked to the press by parents reveals the teacher hitting and dragging a student across the classroom floor. Subsequently a further 30 Sarasas students have filed complaints and 13 teachers are due be charged, according to the police.

The incident has also ignited a debate surrounding corporal punishment and it’s widely known that schools still use physical punishment to control children. Childline Thailand director Ilya Smirnoff commented:

“Physical abuse by teachers is intolerable and causes lasting mental harm to children. Unfortunately it’s still prevalent Thai schools and some continue to use corporal punishment, despite the fact that it’s been illegal here since 2005”

Childline Thailand condemns any act of violence against children and encourages students, parents or teachers to report incidents of abuse in schools.