Latest news with #MartinFletcher
The Age
18 hours ago
- The Age
Rise in teachers suspended for virtual grooming as online learning booms
Predatory teachers are increasingly using social media and electronic communication to groom children outside their classrooms as online learning becomes an everyday part of education. Half the teachers currently suspended by Victoria's teaching watchdog are facing allegations of online 'grooming behaviour', up from only one in eight such suspensions two-and-a-half years ago. The interim suspensions have been imposed by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) in cases where it is deemed a teacher poses an unacceptable risk to children, and include allegations of students with additional vulnerabilities being targeted, of adults seeking opportunities to meet children in person, and of encouraging students to keep conversations secret. VIT chief executive officer Martin Fletcher said teachers must maintain a professional relationship with students at all times, regardless of whether they were interacting in a classroom or via virtual learning. 'Social media, messaging apps, and online learning platforms offer unprecedented access – and with them, new risks,' Fletcher said. 'VIT is seeing a concerning increase in teachers crossing professional boundaries through digital communication.' Of the 17 Victorian teachers currently on interim suspensions by the VIT, nine stem from allegations of grooming behaviour via electronic means. By comparison, only five of the 40 interim suspensions undertaken in 2022 related to allegations involving electronic communications. Investigations undertaken by the VIT have uncovered high volumes of communication between teachers and students, sometimes over multiple platforms and at inappropriate times when a young person is more likely to be alone, such as late at night.
Sydney Morning Herald
18 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rise in teachers suspended for virtual grooming as online learning booms
Predatory teachers are increasingly using social media and electronic communication to groom children outside their classrooms as online learning becomes an everyday part of education. Half the teachers currently suspended by Victoria's teaching watchdog are facing allegations of online 'grooming behaviour', up from only one in eight such suspensions two-and-a-half years ago. The interim suspensions have been imposed by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) in cases where it is deemed a teacher poses an unacceptable risk to children, and include allegations of students with additional vulnerabilities being targeted, of adults seeking opportunities to meet children in person, and of encouraging students to keep conversations secret. VIT chief executive officer Martin Fletcher said teachers must maintain a professional relationship with students at all times, regardless of whether they were interacting in a classroom or via virtual learning. 'Social media, messaging apps, and online learning platforms offer unprecedented access – and with them, new risks,' Fletcher said. 'VIT is seeing a concerning increase in teachers crossing professional boundaries through digital communication.' Of the 17 Victorian teachers currently on interim suspensions by the VIT, nine stem from allegations of grooming behaviour via electronic means. By comparison, only five of the 40 interim suspensions undertaken in 2022 related to allegations involving electronic communications. Investigations undertaken by the VIT have uncovered high volumes of communication between teachers and students, sometimes over multiple platforms and at inappropriate times when a young person is more likely to be alone, such as late at night.
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
New bollards which rise out of road installed in Leicester
New rising bollards have been installed around main shopping streets in Leicester to make sure unauthorised cars cannot drive into the pedestrianised zone. Leicester City Council has replaced existing bollards and installed new ones in 18 locations over the last few months. The bollards will lower into the ground to allow vehicles into the pedestrianised zone during the hours allowed for loading and unloading, but will prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering the zone at all other council has warned motorists trying to access the area that they must wait for a green light and should not tailgate other vehicles. There are now bollards in place in Belgrave Gate, Cank Street, Carts Lane, Cheapside, Church Gate, East Gates, Fox Lane, Gallowtree Gate, Grey Friars, Guildhall Lane, Haymarket, High Street, Hotel Street, Humberstone Gate, Loseby Lane, Shires Lane, St Martin's Square and King Street. Letters detailing the changes have been sent to every residential and business address within the pedestrian residents and businesses inside the zone will need to use a new authentication system with PIN code to gain entry outside allowable allowable hours are 05:00 to 11:00, except on Saturdays when the time will be from 5:00 to 09:00. One-time use PIN codes can also be issued to those with legitimate reasons for accessing the zone outside of the allowable council's highways director Martin Fletcher said: "Leicester's pedestrian zone was established back in 2006, and the infrastructure installed at that time needed renewing or replacing to ensure it continued to be fit for purpose."By upgrading infrastructure and tightening up access for vehicles to the pedestrian zone, we can more effectively clamp down on those who abuse the system and continue to provide an environment for shopping and leisure activities where people can feel safe."
