SAFE TOUCH POLICY

The policy is aimed to give guidance to Asian International School teachers and non-teaching staff and to protect the rights of Asian International School students, teachers and non-teaching staff in using touch with students within the scope of school activities.

• Teachers and non-teaching staff are not allowed to use touch/have physical contact with students, except for the situations specified in this policy.

• All teachers and non-teaching staff are required to understand The Asian International School’s Safe Touch Policy and be able to justify their actions upon request.

PRINCIPLES OF USING TOUCH/PHYSICAL SUPPORT WITH STUDENTS

• Be non-abusive, with no intention to cause pain or injury

• Be in the best interests of the student and others

• Have a clear education purpose

• Take account of gender issues and opposite sex touch, especially with students in the Middle and High School

• Use touch in public, except for emergencies.

SITUATIONS WHERE TOUCH OR PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH STUDENTS IS PERMITTED

For teaching

In circumstances where it is necessary for teachers to instruct and help students during lessons, such as support in PE classes, learning to play musical instruments, how to hold a pen, adjusting students’ sitting position, training on school violence prevention, or educating students with body safety skills, etc.

For protection

• To protect and support students in danger or in emergencies

• To prevent students from hurting himself/herself or hurting others

• To prevent students from damaging school assets and facilities.

For mental support

• To encourage and support students’ emotions, e.g. when they are upset, worried or in need of guidance.

• To praise, e.g. to give a gentle pat on the shoulder. This should only occur in a public area and not in private.

Safe touch for mental support could include: shaking hands or giving a gentle pat on the shoulder/back when students need mental support. These safe touches are aimed at encouraging students and helping them overcome negative feelings such as anger, and lack of self-control and to praise students where necessary.

For medical purposes

The school’s medical staff are allowed to use touch when taking care of students with signs of illnesses or with injuries, with the aim of ensuring students’ health and safety.

For personal support

• To support students where necessary with basic personal tasks such as changing soiled clothing, cleaning hands, personal hygiene, etc. (for primary students)

• To deal with students’ minor injuries (e.g. clean a wound, apply a sticking plaster, remove a splinter).

For physical support

To assist students with disabilities (students in wheelchairs or walking with crutches, etc.) when moving to classes or participating in school activities.

Participation in school activities

When participating in school/class activities or games where physical contact is appropriate, e.g. holding hands, hands on shoulders, etc.

Welcoming students before/after school

All managers, teachers and non-teaching staff, who are assigned to greet/salute students before/after school or at school events, are allowed to use appropriate touch such as shaking hands to connect with students.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Violations of the policy will be handled in accordance with the Asian International School’s rules and regulations.

This policy is for distribution to students and parents for information and to teachers and non-teaching staff for implementation.

Policy approved by the Principal. Date: July 29, 2023