Should Sex Laws For Teachers Be Changed?

It's all about being in a 'position of trust.'

So, no!

or a stunning 23 year old geography teacher for that matter?

edit: strange how we all think female teacher - male pupil relationship is fine. but a male teacher - female pupil is morally wrong

Agreed!

Doctors get struck off the GMC for having sex with patients, so why should teachers be treated differently?

The Act's provisions meant that, subject to a number of limited definitions, it would be a criminal offence for a person in a position of trust to engage in any sexual activity with a person aged under 18 with whom they have a relationship of trust, irrespective of the age of consent even if the basis for their relationship is consensual. A relationship of trust exists one where a member of staff or volunteer is in a position of power or influence over a pupil or student by virtue of the work or nature of the activity being undertaken. All staff should ensure that their relationships with pupils are appropriate to the age and gender of the pupils, and take care that their language or conduct does not give rise to comment or speculation. Attitudes, demeanour and language all require care and thought, particularly when members of staff are dealing with adolescent boys and girls.
From time to time staff may encounter young people who display attention seeking behaviour, or profess to be attracted to them. Staff should aim to deal with those situations sensitively and appropriately, but ensure that their behaviour cannot be misinterpreted. In these circumstances, the member of staff should also ensure that a senior colleague is aware of the situation.

Taken from the teachernet website referencing the Sexual Offenders Act of 2003.

Fair enough, but are they put on the sex offenders register?

Depending on the age of the patient, yes.

But why 18 though? Thats the bit I dont understand, consent age is 16, so surely it should be anyone under the age of 16 or anyone who has not finished their compulsary education yet.

You know, I never thought of that, is it anyone under 16 or 18?

Although secondary education is currently compulsory up to the age of 16, students often stay on at school until they are 18 (and is some cases, 19 if they do a third year in the 6th form.)

All the time a student is attending a school, whether the relationship is based on consensual sex, is irrelevant because of the nature of the job...ie a position of trust. The same risk of being placed on the sex offenders register are taken when abusing a position of trust with older vulnerable people.

It's all hinges on being in a 'position of trust.'

They call it being in a position of trust, but it's not like I necessarily trust my teachers.

It should be changed but it should be up to individual schools if they wish to fire a teacher who gets caught for professional misconduct if they are seen to have anything other then a normal pupil-teacher relationship within the school gates.

Doctors get struck off the GMC for having sex with patients, so why should teachers be treated differently?