Teacher Harassment Common at Addu High School, Says TAM

The Teachers Association of Maldives (TAM) has highlighted widespread teacher harassment at Addu High School, linking the clash between a student and a foreign teacher to deeper management shortcomings.

The incident, which occurred last week, drew attention after videos of a physical altercation between a Grade 12 student and the teacher circulated online. Both the student and teacher were suspended following the incident, and police have launched an investigation.

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In a statement, TAM stated that teachers at Addu High School frequently face bullying and harassment from students, and that the lack of disciplinary measures has created an environment where teachers are publicly shamed and scapegoated. The association emphasised that all students in a classroom have equal rights, and that it is unacceptable for a teacher defending students to be discredited.

The statement criticised the Education Ministry’s decision to suspend the teacher without a complete investigation, arguing that such actions may discourage dedicated educators and contribute to teacher attrition. TAM noted that, in the absence of action against students, teachers often bear the stress and social backlash for upholding classroom standards.

The association also called for clear rules on student phone use, noting that while students in other countries carry phones, Maldivian schools must regulate usage to prevent classroom disruptions.

TAM has urged authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the harassment of the teacher and address broader issues of school management accountability. The student involved in the incident has a history of disciplinary issues dating back to Grade 9 and was suspended pending completion of an ethics programme.