Was my sons detection unfair?

[SassyBear2]

My DS has just started sixth form. They were asked by their form tutor to do a short presentation about themselves to introduce to the class.

DS decided to start his presentation with an animated picture of a sperm cell and said, “That was me nearly 17 years ago.” It got some laughs from the class, but the teacher didn’t see the funny side and gave him a detention.

I honestly think this is a bit much. He’s 16, not a little kid, and in sixth form they should be encouraging independence and a bit of personality. It wasn’t offensive or disruptive, just cheeky humour. A telling off I’d understand, but a detention feels harsh.

AIBU to think the school is overreacting? If so can i repeal the detention or do something?

Yanbu. Yes that’s ridiculous.

Many presentations start with something eye-catching or amusing. It’s not like he was doing an interview for a job - it was a form-time introduction to his peers.

Detention is way overboard.

I am at the strict end of the spectrum and I think this is ridiculous. It was a harmless joke made by a sixth-former. Wonder why the teacher was so offended.

To be applauded I would say.

Don't worry about the detention, sounds like your DS will go far in life with that humour 😆

Absolutely ridiculous to get a detention!

Top way of starting his presentation! 👏👏👏 Teacher is way out of order.

I would guess it was the disruption caused and not the image but a detention is a bit unfair. One of the reasons so many kids pick college over sixth form these days.

I presume if the teacher started a lesson like this parents would be complaining for the teacher to be sacked as being a pervert

Well, it really depends on what actually happened...

I think it was harsh of the teacher, but tbh I wouldn't bother following up with the school. Just let him do the detention and move on.

Not really. If they show a picture of a big cock but this was pretty funny.

He should see if he can flip to a sixth form college. Loads of my DD’s cohort did just that. They are just ready for more independence.

Your DSs version makes the teacher sound unreasonable. However I wouldn't bother disputing the detention. It is what it is.

My DS got a sanction his first week in secondary school. It wasn't him, it was someone else. Even when the culprit went and confessed, the teacher didn't take away the sanction. This sanction is on his school record - several teachers appealed to the other to remove the sanction but he didn't.

I didn't complain to the school. Its annoying but DS got over it. And it was a great lesson for him that things that seem deadly important at the time, fade in importance as time goes on. I now use that to remind him every so often to put things in perspective.

Teacher is being ridiculous, that’s actually really funny and a great way to start the presentation!

I didn’t realise that schools gave detentions for sixth formers. I think your DD presentation sounds funny and the teacher is being ridiculous

@zaazaazoom 😆🤣😆🤣

Utterly ridiculous. Excellent public speakers often open their speeches or presentations with something funny, inspiring or provocative. I'd be encouraging that - too many people (myself included) have a fear of public speaking and it's a skill we need in life. Your ds should be applauded and encouraged. What was the rest of his presentation like? Just wondering if he might be known for trying to be the class clown or something? Otherwise, most teachers I know would have thought this amusing.

The teacher is way out of order. Great way to start the presentation as it would grab your attention! Very witty.

"He's 16, not a little kid, but also how can I get him out of his detention" 😂

So ridiculous, that i'd question if you have the full story here!

😆ok i agree maybe that's a bit ridiculous

Seriously?

Its a very mild joke on a par with a kids’ book such as ‘where Willy went’.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_Willy_Went

Fwiw, I think the detention was ridiculous. I think he needs to have a chat with the teacher.

There will be more to it op

Yes…
leaving aside the possibility your DS may not be a 100% reliable narrator of the incident, it may be better for him to roll with this particular punch.

As an ex-teacher, I’d have laughed my head off at that!