"Because of kids like you, child abuse happens" Outrage in Mom Cafes over Repeated Abusive Remarks by Daycare Teachers

"Causing Child Abuse" Outrage Over Childcare Teachers' Harsh Remarks
Mom Cafes Demand "Proper Punishment"
Experts Say "Personality Tests Needed for Childcare Teachers"

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Why do the kids in our class feel so distant?", "They kept lying down saying they were sleepy, I wanted to hit them."

Recently, as child abuse incidents in daycare centers and other childcare facilities have not ceased, parents' anxiety is growing. In particular, some childcare teachers do not hesitate to use harsh language or even physical violence against children under their care simply because the children "do not listen," which has further increased parents' concerns. Experts have suggested that personality tests and other measures should be implemented when hiring childcare teachers to eradicate child abuse.

On the 28th, controversy arose after it was revealed that a childcare teacher at a daycare center in Seosan, Chungnam, repeatedly used harsh language toward a 4-year-old child.

A teacher at the problematic daycare center said to a child who refused to nap, "Close your eyes, XXX. Close your eyes. Get out," and used harsh words such as "I'm pissed off. This is child abuse."

Another teacher who overheard this also chimed in, verbally abusing the child by saying, "Do you know why child abuse happens? It's because of kids like you. Are you doing this on purpose?"

This was discovered last November when a parent, suspecting child abuse after their child refused to attend daycare, hid a voice recorder in the child's clothes and sent them to daycare. About ten parents claiming abuse have come forward, and as the controversy grew, the teachers reportedly submitted their resignations.

Last month, a daycare teacher caused controversy by posting hateful remarks about the children in their care on social media. Photo by Online Community Capture

This is not the first time a daycare teacher has been involved in a harsh language controversy. Last month, a childcare teacher at a daycare center operated by a childcare specialist organization sparked public outrage by posting child-hating expressions on their social media (SNS).

The teacher said things like "I want to hit them" because the children did not listen well, and used the term 'Hannam' toward boys, which caused controversy. 'Hannam' is a derogatory term for Korean men.

They also said, "Why do the kids in our class feel so distant? Honestly, 'Jeongttuktteol' (meaning affection has completely dropped)," and "My mate keeps saying 'Our kids are cute, right?' but I can't say 'Not cute at all,'" which led to criticism. Eventually, the teacher reportedly quit the daycare center.

Given the situation, posts expressing anxiety over childcare teachers' harsh language and abusive behavior have been continuously appearing on mom cafes and other online communities.

One netizen pointed out through a pregnancy and parenting community, "It seems like news related to daycare centers keeps coming out," and added, "Being a childcare teacher is not an easy job, but perhaps because the employment conditions are relatively lenient, people tend to take it too lightly."

They continued, "Not just anyone should become a daycare teacher. It is a profession that requires truly good character, which is unfortunate," and expressed frustration, "There are many good daycare teachers, but there are also many who are not. I hope all teachers who abused children are properly punished."

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the problem persists as some childcare teachers continue to abuse children every year. According to data from the Child Rights Protection Agency, the number of child abuse cases in daycare centers increased threefold over the past five years, from 432 cases (3.7%) in 2015 to 1,371 cases (4.6%) in 2019.

Particularly concerning are cases where children have died due to cruel abuse by childcare teachers. The director of a daycare center in Daejeon was arrested the day before after being charged with suffocating a 21-month-old girl to death by wrapping her in a blanket, lifting her arms and legs, and pressing her body down last month on the 30th.

However, the director reportedly claimed innocence, saying, "I was just trying to put the child to sleep by using my arms as a pillow and naturally pressed down with my arms and legs, not abusing her."

One netizen shared on a mom cafe, "My spouse and I both work, so we have no choice but to leave our child at a nearby daycare. But every time an article about child abuse comes out, I lose sleep worrying," and lamented, "I hope only those who truly love children become childcare teachers."

Experts suggest that education related to child abuse prevention should be prioritized to eradicate child abuse in childcare facilities. Hong Changpyo, Secretary General of the Korea Child Abuse Prevention Association, said, "Most childcare teachers do not engage in harsh language or abuse. It is unfortunate that the abusive behavior of some teachers leads to parents' distrust," but added, "To solve this problem, regular education on child abuse for childcare teachers is necessary."

Hong also stated, "Personality tests should be included in the process of becoming a daycare teacher," and explained, "Kindergarten teachers must pass a certification exam, but anyone can obtain a daycare teacher certificate by taking online classes and completing practical training. Since the process is relatively easy, there is a need for verification such as personality tests. This means it should be differentiated from entering a regular company."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.