Teachers strike threat over kid's mucky snap

Pesky camera phones

By Team Register • Get more from this author

Posted in Public Sector, 4th May 2006 14:38 GMT

Increase your knowledge of the latest threats to your busines

Teachers at a school in Newcastle upon Tyne are being balloted on strike action after a pupil who snapped a picture of a female teacher's cleavage on his mobile phone was allowed to return to class.

The snap was taken as the teacher leaned forward, and subsequently sent to other pupils, reports The Telegraph.

The boy was expelled from St Cuthbert's Catholic High School but was allowed to return after his parents appealed the decision.

Now teachers are threatening strike action claiming that this is the latest example of kids using mobile phones to harass teachers. Union leaders have called for mobile phones to be banned from schools.

A study published last year revealed that school bullies are increasingly using phones with built-in cameras to torment their victims.

One in 10 children has felt threatened or embarrassed after bullies snapped their picture using a camera phone, according to children's charity NCH. Seven per cent of those harassed by bullies in this way believe the picture was also forwarded to others.

Earlier this year, schools on Merseyside were urged to ban the use of mobile phones amid fears they might damage children's health and could also lead to mobile phone-related crime. ®

Increase your knowledge of the latest threats to your busines