Around the world, there are different laws regarding teacher-student romantic relationships. In the United States, it is illegal for a teacher and a student to be romantically involved if the student is under 18 years of age. Even if a student is 18, it is still not ethically appropriate because of the teacher’s position of power over the student, as well as the student not being able to think like an adult at that age.
If such a relationship has developed between a teacher and their student, a trustworthy sex crimes attorneys may need to be contacted.
Teachers and Trust
Parents entrust teachers with their children. They expect teachers to be respectful and kind to their children. Parents do not expect a teacher to fall in love with their child or to have any type of inappropriate relationship with them.
Teachers are assigned the care and conditioning of students of various ages and to misuse, that trust would be traumatic for both students and parents. The teacher promises to do no harm while taking care of a student while they are in their care. They also agree to teach them according to the outlines provided by each state. This means that a second-grader will learn information according to their grade level and not be expected to know more than their age dictates.
From a Student’s Perspective
Depending on how young a student is, they may become infatuated with their teacher. This could happen to young children as well as pre-teens and teens. And it should not come as a surprise to anyone because students spend the most amount of time with their teachers and not their parents or siblings. The teacher could be their first contact with an adult outside of their family.
A young boy or girl could become extra attached to a teacher if they are having a difficult time at home or with other students. A teacher could be the only one in their life at the moment who is kind and offering to listen to their problems.
From a Parent’s Perspective
It could be heartbreaking and stressful for a parent to learn their teen has a romantic relationship with his or her teacher. A romantic relationship is different than an infatuation. A relationship means they are each engaging in relations, not that it is a one-sided connection.
A parent can help their child by discussing the difference between infatuation and love. That love for a teacher is not the same as love for a relative or the same love they will experience when they are older.
Uneven Dynamics
The biggest issue with the student-teacher relationship is the fact that the teacher is in a position of power over the student. It is similar to a boss and secretary. One person holds all the power, both in and out of the relationship and this could mean unfair treatment.
If you as a parent suspect your child is in a romantic relationship with their student, you need to talk with the administration of the school. This could be the principal or superintendent of the school board. Of course, you want to be sure before accusing someone of something inappropriate. The counsellor at the school is another resource you could contact to discuss your concerns as a parent.