[writerchick]

Did anyone else hear about the directive that no man should teach primary or sunday school alone? That they should have two men, a couple or a single sister? What do you think about this?

[Diva]

Where did you hear or read about this? and why single men out, what about women?

[writerchick]

My sister, who lives in Utah, e-mailed me the information. She said no man can teach a Sunday School or Primary class by himself. My husband said he heard the letter read in PEC meeting, and that it said if a man is teaching alone, there should be safeguards in place, like someone checking in frequently. So I think it's up to each ward to implement something...I'm sure it has to do with avoiding accusations...what a terrible world we live in!

[blossy]

Yes, why single men out? I've seen far too many cases recently (on tv) where women in responsible positions aren't behaving responsibly with children. I believe that there is a need for all classes need to be checked every now and then.

[babydawn]

It is so funny that you brought this up. My husband and I were just talking about it today. The rule, although it does seem slighlty biased, but then again, who are we to question the First Presidency....I think is just to protect everyone involved, the children as well as the adults.

[writerchick]

Well, yes, it's biased, and although there have been some cases in the news lately of women teachers taking advantage of teen students, the vast majority of molestation cases have male perpetrators. And yes, I do think part of it is to protect adults against false accusations.

[Mim23]

I think that it is to protect everyone involved, the men as much as the children. Units are supposed to do this as available. If they can't do it, then the classroom door is supposed to be open, and the primary presidency is supposed to pop in on them periodically. It is hard for smaller units, but it is just following the scouting rule of being two deep. I think it is a good idea. And I think that if possible they should do it for the women as well. It is just safer for everyone.

[mcmama]

There is probably a legal precaution here and this is the first step. I am not LDS, but I have dealt with this kind of prevention in child care - most ly women teachers. There are just certain times when you cannot be alone with a child, or when the bathroom door has to be open, etc.

Crazy world we live in - yes, abuse is prevented, but the main focus seems to be not giving an opportunity for false accusations.

[Lucky7]

I think it probably works both ways. My son has a piano teacher (male) who absolutely refuses to give lessons without a parent present in the room. He has never been accused of anything, and his view is that he doesn't want to be either. He wants to be free to teach music and not have to worry about false accusations from a child. And given the nature of teaching the piano, where physical contact is so close, I don't blame him.

[Diva]

I'm just curious now. Where can I find an outline of this particular directive/rule? Is there someplace online that I can find it to read? Is it in the Primary presidency manual? I know that when I was in the Primary presidency a few years ago that I checked on ALL classrooms on a regular basis throughout the afternoon while we were there. I would like to read this particular item if someone can help me find it somewhere. We definitely cant be too careful, there are creeps everywhere whether we like it or not; and they are good at hiding who they really are. I just personally feel that it should go both ways, male and female being watched closely. When I was a little girl, all the classrooms (even at school) had glass in them so you could see in easily without disturbing the class.