How Teachers React to Self-Defense Incidents in Estonia

In Estonia, the approach to handling self-defense incidents among students is very different from what one might find in jurisdictions like the USA. Suspension is not a common practice, as it would be unlegal and against the compulsory education law. This article explores how teachers in Estonia handle such situations, including the legal framework and alternative measures.

Legality and Compulsory Education

In Estonia, the legal system is quite different when it comes to student discipline. According to the Education Act, students must attend school until the age of 17 or until the completion of year 9. This means that suspension is not an option if the student is to remain in the education system. Suspension would directly violate the law, as it takes the student out of the compulsory education environment.

Alternative Measures

Instead of suspension, there are a variety of alternative measures that can be taken to deal with incidents involving self-defense. Upon such an incident, all students involved are typically taken to the vice principal’s office. The situation is then discussed, and depending on the severity, parents may be called in or the police may be involved.

For less serious incidents, the vice principal will handle the situation, ensuring that the student involved in the altercation is not given the outcome they might desire by being suspended. Instead, the focus is on addressing the underlying issues and preventing future incidents.

Teacher Response to Incidents

Teachers in Estonia play a crucial role in managing such incidents. When bodily contact occurs between students in class, teachers follow a specific protocol. For example, if a teacher witnesses or hears about a conflict involving bodily contact, they immediately take both students to the vice principal’s office. The teacher then explains what happened, after which the vice principal takes over. The teacher's role here is to ensure the situation is addressed promptly and professionally.

Teachers in Estonia adopt a proactive approach, focusing on the well-being of all students involved. Rather than simply punishing the student who engaged in physical self-defense, the approach is designed to de-escalate the situation and educate all students involved. This includes addressing grievances, teaching conflict resolution skills, and reinforcing the importance of respect and responsibility in the school community.

Ensuring Student Safety and Responsibility

The goal of such measures is to ensure that every student feels safe and responsible for their actions. By involving the vice principal and discussing the incident with the students and sometimes their parents, the school works to address the underlying issues that may have led to the conflict. This approach helps in creating a supportive and safe learning environment.

Furthermore, teachers in Estonia take it upon themselves to manage these situations effectively. They understand that suspension is not the answer and therefore focus on finding the best possible solution to ensure that all students can continue their education without additional disruption.

For example, the teacher involved might say, “I wouldn’t know since suspensions aren’t in practice here as far as I know. Suspension would go against the law because it is compulsory to attend school until the age of 17 or until completion of year 9. If you suspend a student they are not in school and it would thus be unlawful. Of course this is Estonia not the USA.” In such situations, the teacher would take a step back and allow the vice principal to handle the situation appropriately.

In conclusion, the approach to self-defense incidents in Estonia is geared towards finding the best solution that upholds the principles of education and ensures the well-being of all students. Suspension is not a viable option due to legal constraints, and alternative measures like involving the vice principal and addressing the underlying issues are more effective in fostering a productive and safe learning environment.

Key Points:

Self-defense incidents in Estonia are handled through the vice principal's office, not suspension. The legal framework requires compulsory attendance until age 17 or year 9, making suspension illegal. Teachers focus on conflict resolution and addressing the underlying issues to prevent future incidents. Alternative measures include discussions, involving parents, and teaching conflict resolution skills. The goal is to create a supportive and safe learning environment, ensuring no student is given an advantage by being suspended.

For more information on student discipline and self-defense in educational settings, explore these resources:

UNESCO’s Guidelines on Educational Policy and Practice OECD’s Report on School Discipline ICSDE’s Practical Guide for Conflict Resolution in Schools