Category Archives: Life

A Romantic Relationship Between a Student and a Teacher: Is It Ever Acceptable?

01/27/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

You may have heard stories of people who have ended up in intimate student-teacher relationships. When a story like this surfaces, it usually hits the news feeds quickly and usually results in the teacher being prosecuted, placed on a register, and losing their jobs. However, is this always going to be the case?

Today, we’re going to look into whether a student-teacher romantic relationship will ever be okay. In your head now, you may be thinking of situations where it could be thanks to some of the variables, so let’s dive in and clear up any grey areas that may exist.

The Short Answer

No, basically. A student to teacher relationship will never be legally okay in the US. Looking at the facts and the law, anybody needs to be at least over the age of 18 to even legally consent to be in a relationship with an adult. This means all traditional student ages from pre-school up to the college ages of 18 will be illegal. This is because there are never teachers under the age of 18, meaning they are all adults.

This means that a romantic relationship between a teacher and student under the age of 18 is a criminal offense and can be charged with sexual abuse or a crime of a similar nature, and cases will require sex crime lawyers who offer effective representation.

This is important to note because some students may want a relationship and will spread they are in one with a teacher, even if they are not. However, despite being a lie, these cases are taken very seriously and will need to be dealt with properly through the approaching court of law processes.

What If the Student is Over 18?

If both the teacher and the student are over the age of 18, then both are able to legally consent to be in a relationship with one another by law. However, many schools and educational facilities will have policies and codes of conduct that prevent this from happening.

Whether you’re a teacher or student, you need to check the policy of the school you’re in to ensure you’re not breaking the rules. If you do, this can result in the teacher losing their job and the student being expelled. Remember, student-teacher relationships do not just affect the people in the relationship.

Any dramas in the relationship may spread around the school and can cause many problems within friend groups. Imagine a female student breaking up with her male teacher partner and the teacher exacting revenge by failing the student and making her life a misery.

Imagine the other students who think that the preferred partner has an unfair advantage against all the other students due to favoritism. It’s a complex subject with many variables, and in most cases, should simply be avoided at all costs.

Summary

As you can see, there are many grey areas as to whether a student and a teacher can get together or not, and extreme caution should be taken if approaching a situation like this. While at the discretion of the people involved, it takes time to think about the issues first, and this is a highly advised thing to do.

Going Healthy, Health, Life

Need Help Keeping Health On The Straight And Narrow? That’s What Friends Are For

01/21/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

In theory, no one knows our health better than us. Hence why, when someone else suggests that something is going on, we often react with outright denial or even annoyance. How dare they assume to know better than you do? Whose body is it anyway!?!

The trouble is that, while we certainly have an inner window into our body’s workings, it’s astounding how often we remain blind to certain issues that our friends and family spot from miles away.

To make sure that you don’t cast your friend’s concerns aside next time they suggest all is not well, consider the following reasons why they might just be in the ideal position to spot health problems that you never could.

health, friends, lifestyle, accountable — Image from Pexels: CC0 License

They’re objective

Objectivity is often key, especially where health is concerned. When we have a personal investment, we often either overlook or underestimate escalating issues. In some cases, this can be because we’re afraid of what symptoms mean, or embarrassed by the pain-based mood swings that we swear aren’t happening. And, of course, we’re sometimes just so busy that we overlook issues entirely.

Our friends can overcome these setbacks to see your health concerns with their eyes wide open. They have no reason to deny or overlook, and they’re surely more observant of you than you are of yourself sometimes. Thus, they’re actually in the ideal position to make you aware of the things that have been going wrong with your body right in front of your eyes.

They’re more likely to pick up subtle changes

Along roughly the same lines, our friends and family are also in the best position to pick up subtle changes that we would simply never notice otherwise. For example, loved ones are best able to spot issues such as gradual weight loss that’s escaped our attention. Equally, family members are best placed to pick up on progressive hearing issues caused by acute tinnitus and the like. Yet, much like when you fail to notice a baby growing because you’re with them every day, you’d probably struggle to pick up on the same subtle changes.

They care

Nobody should care for our health more than ourselves, but that’s rarely the case. In fact, even if you have the best of intentions, the chances are that don’t always treat your body well. Health complaints and the limitations they bring can cause us to be especially unkind to ourselves, pushing well past the point that we probably should.

By comparison, the other people in our lives may well care much more, or at least be better able to show it, that we look after ourselves. As such, they can be in the best position to push us into booking that hearing or dental checkup, as well as holding us accountable for what we eat, and whether we exercise.

We understand feeling frustrated when people try to tell you what’s what with your health. But, next time that your loved ones speak out about their concerns, you may well benefit from listening.

Life

9 Signs of Human Trafficking and What to Do if You Spot It

01/21/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Human trafficking is a real problem throughout the world. It destroys a countless number of lives and families. When a person is forced to perform sex acts against their will, they are victims of sex trafficking. Perhaps you’ve wondered what you can do about this global issue or asked, “What can I do to be more aware of trafficking, and what do I do if I suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking?” Here are some warning signs to look out for and what you can do about it.

1. A Controlling Adult

This person can be a “sponsor,” guardian or any other title. The victim will rarely be alone and will say very little when their handler is around. This person also monitors the victim’s communications, spending and whereabouts. You can offer to reach out to a sex crime lawyer on their behalf.

2. Works in the Sex Industry

Everyone who works in the sex industry is not a victim, but those who are in this industry are more likely to be a victim of sex crimes. It is much easier for these individuals to be pressured into performing sex acts.

3. Owe Money to an Employer

Victims of labor trafficking sometimes owe money to their employer because the employer is exploiting the victim. Oftentimes victims are underpaid and not paid the wages they were promised.

4. Work in Isolated and Dangerous Conditions

Laborers who are isolated from their support system are more easily exploited. Not only are working conditions dangerous, victims do not have the proper safety equipment to do the job and living conditions are often deplorable. You can report this to the National Human Trafficking hotline.

5. Express a Want to Leave Sex Industry

Strippers, prostitutes and other sex workers that disclose to you that they would like to quit the sex business but don’t think they can for fear of retaliation or losing their life could be a trafficking victim.

6. No Control Over Their Identifying Documents

If someone doesn’t have control of their ID, passport or visa, they may be a victim. Traffickers will remove identification from their victims to make their escape difficult and as a way to coerce them into illegal activities.

7. Signs of Physical Abuse

Far too often trafficking victims are physically abused. Their traffickers aren’t concerned about a victim’s well being, and abuse is a tool used to keep victims in line. If you notice bruises or other abrasions, ask if they need help. If they do, you can notify local law enforcement.

8. Scripted Responses

When conversation seems rehearsed and unnatural, there may be a problem. Victims are instructed to attract as little attention to themselves for a reason. That’s why knowing what to say is important to victimization.

9. Underage Prostitute

Minors who are in the sex industry are victims of trafficking according to the law. So if you spot an underage prostitute there is definitely trouble afoot.

If you come across a person you think is benign trafficked, you can call the NCMEC, notify law enforcement or contact an attorney. You are not powerless in this fight.