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Original poster

Boy who urged the killing of a teacher returns to the same school

294 replies

Blandmum · 15/06/2007 14:48

I saw this in the Times Ed today. I can't find an on line link.

A boy at Gleed Boys School in Spalding set up a website in Bebo that urged fellow pupils to 'kill' a teacher. He also encouraged them to post abusive comments about this young female member of staff.

The Head permanently excluded the boy, but this has been over turned by the governors. The head has to take the boy back into the school. The teacher is off sick, with stress.

Nice.

OP posts:
cornsilk · 20/06/2007 19:40

As NJ35 has pointed out, we don't know all of the facts. I wonder how people would have reacted if she had posted on mumsnet about this when she first found out about it and from her point of view.

eoj · 20/06/2007 19:41

It is all about the internet, and the medium used. Can you teachers honestly tell me that teachers don't say things in the staff room, like, 'I just had a lesson with that little shit jones, I could wring his neck'. Which in effect would invite other derogatory comments from the listeners. Is there a difference in actual intent of what is said and what is published on the internet?

If the child was genuinely sorry, and he must have been for the governors to reinstate him, that would show the childs true character and intent. As mentioned earlier the difference between text, and real human communication. There should be more validity in the real human communication than the written word, as one can see how genuine the communication is. It is my opinion the child must have been extremely sincere for the governors to reinstate him. Why are we not taking this into context?

kiskidee · 20/06/2007 19:45

i wonder if she has spoken to her union about not going to work because they school cannot guarantee her safety at her workplace.

NJ35 · 20/06/2007 19:46

And if my son was interviewed and you saw him and got an idea of what he was like maybe you would understand more of why making amends is important and genuine coming from someone who has been portrayed as he has,if I judged your children from comments or article,wouldnt you want the truth to be told in an appropriate manner? I have been honest with you all in what i have told you.I havent tried to justify his actions nor have I slated anybody else except those who are blatantly lying and misrepresenting a situation for their own purpose and gain.

juuule · 20/06/2007 19:47

Eoj- Good posts.
DC - so much hate and you don't even know the people involved.

NJ35 · 20/06/2007 19:47

kiskedee-why do you think she isnt safe? The truth of the matter is there were NO death threats made,the truth will come out in the end and maybe you will understand where i am coming from a little more

eoj · 20/06/2007 19:53

Thanks Juule.

Just trying to put some perspective into things.

RubberDuck · 20/06/2007 19:55

Can I just say, as an aside, that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences?

The right to freedom of speech does not eclipse another person's right to feel offended or to feel threatened. Also "freedom of speech" on someone else's site which they've paid to set up and host doesn't and shouldn't exist. Of course they can delete what they like - they're the ones who get sued for it (and here on mumsnet we've had experience of that lesson, rather unfortunately).

Even if we can say anything we like, doesn't mean we should.

Personally, I think sensible street smarts on the internet should be taught to every kid from the very first computer lesson.

kiskidee · 20/06/2007 19:56

and if you want to see your secondary teachers being bullied on line, visit www.ratemyteacher.com

i would like to set up a website called www.ratetheparents.com

donnie · 20/06/2007 19:59

eoj - you clearly know nothing about governors. Your comment about whether the boy is 'genuinely sorry' - how is that to be judged ? sorry for the whole episode? or sorry that he got caught? you tell me. I am really struggling woth your assertion that this entire matter is 'all about the internet'. Please elaborate.

DominiConnor is right - governors do not take ' that personal risk'. They see maybe 40 % of the picture in any given situation. I am a p/t teacher and none of us have much respect for the governing body at our school.

juuule · 20/06/2007 19:59

Having just looked at a popular teachers website, I think there are teachers on there who should take some of your advice, Rubberduck.

eoj · 20/06/2007 20:00

Then do it kiss! we can rate your parents, and see why you have turned out so negative, full anger and hatred!

RubberDuck · 20/06/2007 20:02

Yes juuule - sometimes I do wonder if connection to the internet should be on license (much like having to pass a driving test to drive a car)

But then I've done some monumentally stupid things on the web too, so I'd have lost my license too by now Ah well, live and learn.

NJ35 · 20/06/2007 20:02

Rubber duck I wasnt saying that it should be free from consequenses,not ata all,hes had the issue to work thro and as things were settling down within school this has happened. Also bebo is free,no cost just fill in a short form and its there.Unfortunately far too easy.

RubberDuck · 20/06/2007 20:03

Erm no... bebo is free to its users. The server cost of running such a site you'll find is pretty high. That's why you recoup the costs using advertising etc.

The costs if bebo then get sued become astronomical...

hotbot · 20/06/2007 20:06

nj haven't read all the posts, but i think you son is being incredibly brave to face up to his mistakes in this way, it is much harder to choose thi path than chnage schools. Im sure this will speak volumes about the man he ill grow up to be . Good luck, i really admire people who trudge on and face up to their mistakes.
Maybe we all should remember that taking the easy way out doesn't give us an opportyunity to learn and grow. and that nj is making her son face up to his actions in a mature way.

hotbot · 20/06/2007 20:07

sorry about the poor typing

juuule · 20/06/2007 20:07

But this lad isn't really getting much support to live and learn, is he Rubberduck?

RubberDuck · 20/06/2007 20:09

I dunno. Not convinced about the message that punishments can be overturned if you just plead enough, tbh.

And I agree with mb that a clean start at a different school may be the best situation for all concerned.

I'm guessing either way he'll be rather more careful about what he writes on the internet in future.

NJ35 · 20/06/2007 20:11

Hotbot,my children have been brought up to face their problems and deal with their mistakes,not a bad thing i dont believe in this day and age? The thing is this is what he wants,TO PUT IT RIGHT! I am just so glad that our mistakes arnt broadcast everyday for people to judge us

maisemor · 20/06/2007 20:11

What is the truth about this situation that you are not telling NJ35?

You keep saying that we don't know the whole story.

"...Before you judge someone please stop and think about what the press have done to many other people in distorting facts."
"....We all have our own opinions on things and the facts of this incident are NOT represented at all."

If there is more to it than what you have already told us then please let us know.

Also..

".....HAS OFFERED to make a public apology to the whole school teachers and pupils alike and IS WILLING to do anything to put this right".

I am sorry but 'offering to' is not the same as actually having made a public apology or done anything to rectify the situation.

NJ35 · 20/06/2007 20:13

Punishments are overturned if you plead enough??? Where did the pleading come from? THE FACTS are very different from the "story" people are hearing

hotbot · 20/06/2007 20:15

nj.. i rpt again...
best of luck....

NJ35 · 20/06/2007 20:15

"I am sorry but 'offering to' is not the same as actually having made a public apology or done anything to rectify the situation." HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO DO THIS as not all children within school were aware of the situation,but thanks to TV & Radio they do now

RubberDuck · 20/06/2007 20:15

Hmm so you didn't appeal to the governers to get the expulsion overturned?

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