Sexual Misconduct in SHSs: Teachers are punished, Students are pardoned — Should students be punished too?

Written by ; Regina Bless

Sexual misconduct in Senior High Schools (SHSs) is a serious issue that demands honest and balanced discussion. When a teacher engages in inappropriate sexual conduct with a student, the teacher holds a position of authority and trust and should be held accountable. But another difficult question deserves attention: What happens when students are involved in sexual misconduct themselves? Should there also be consequences for students?

The answer requires careful consideration because students are minors in many cases, while teachers are adults with professional responsibilities. A teacher has a duty to protect students, maintain professional boundaries and never exploit a position of authority. Therefore, responsibility cannot simply be placed equally on a teacher and a student.

However, acknowledging the vulnerability of students does not mean schools should ignore inappropriate behaviour among students. Schools need clear rules addressing sexual harassment, coercion, exploitation and other forms of misconduct between students.

The focus should be on appropriate consequences, education and safeguarding—not simply punishment.

Students involved in harmful sexual behaviour may themselves need counselling, education and support. Where behaviour involves coercion, exploitation or abuse, schools and the appropriate authorities should respond according to the law and safeguarding procedures.

Schools must also provide students with age-appropriate education about consent, boundaries, respect and healthy relationships. Many young people may not fully understand the consequences of certain behaviours, making education an important part of prevention.

Ultimately, the issue should not be reduced to whether students deserve the same punishment as teachers. They do not occupy the same position of power or responsibility.

The better question is whether Ghana’s schools have a fair system that protects students, holds adults accountable and addresses harmful student behaviour appropriately.

Every student deserves protection. Every teacher must respect professional boundaries. And every school needs a system that promotes accountability while recognising the different responsibilities of adults and young people.