Dear Christine,
I LIKE THE ADVICE you give to people because I think you are fair.
Here is my problem. I am a 15-year-old student at a leading secondary school, and I am facing a situation, which I need to share with you.
My class teacher has been making advances to me. On more than one occasion he said he wanted to see me, and he has even asked me to meet him after school.
Christine, I do not care for him like that, and I know that what he is asking me to do is wrong.
I know girls at school who are messing around with teachers, but I do not want to do the same thing.
I spoke to a friend and she told me I should speak to the school principal if my teacher continues to make advances. I do not want to cause trouble for him or for him to lose his job, but what should I do?
– Afraid
Dear Afraid
First let me say there is no reason for you to be afraid. You have not done anything wrong and I admire you for standing up for what is right, honest and decent.
I understand that you do not want to cause trouble or be victimised. As a result, I get the impression that you have not discussed this matter with your parents as yet. I think that you should; they have a right to know.
I would also advise that you discuss it with the guidance counsellor at your school. Let him or her know that you do not like the advances that are being made by this teacher and ask him or her to speak to the teacher privately.
If this does not stop the advances, then your parents should speak to the principal. Stop trying to protect this man. What he is doing is wrong, and you could very well be one of many other students he’s been making advances to.
– CHRISTINE