New regulations introduced at the beginning of the year give school teachers and principals the authority to inspect students’ belongings. However the right can only be applied where there is justification or a clear cause for a search.
The new regulations came into force at the beginning of the year, and gives teachers and principals the right inspect their young charges’ belongings and to confiscate dangerous objects and substances if required.
In primary schools, educators may also remove items in cases where students are creating a disturbance. Heikki Mäkisalo, principal of the Lauri School in Mynämäki, western Finland, said he’s satisfied with the changes.
“This kind of change is needed, especially in unsettled work environments. The change is good, so we can create conditions in school in which no one is in danger,” Mäkisalo added.
Confiscation must be discreet
The new rules require educators to be discreet as they implement their decisions to inspect and remove students’ property, and to respect their pupils’ personal integrity.
The teachers’ union OAJ (Trade Union of Education in Finland) has called for appropriate training for principals and teachers to implement the new rules. It will also draw up guidelines for teachers in January.
Meanwhile teachers at the Lauri School in Mynämäki have discussed the directives but want more dialogue on the matter.
“I have discussed the issue with the teachers, but we still need more detailed dialogue to ensure that no one’s legal protection is jeopardised in a confiscation situation,” principal Mäkisalo added.
Source: YLE
http://yle.fi/uutiset/new_rules_allow_teachers_to_seize_dangerous_substances_and_objects/7014398