Members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers are discussing the issue of false allegations made by pupils against teachers at their annual conference.

Forum Response: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Peter Smith, general secretary of the ATL, told ePolitix.com: "A pupil who falsely accuses a teacher of misconduct must be made to face the consequences. ATL is calling for measures to ensure that young people understand the cost of their actions.

"Of course pupils must feel comfortable that they can whistle-blow, but if a pupil makes groundless and malicious accusations, disciplinary action must be applied to them and they should face possible expulsion.

"We believe that any allegation accusing any member of the teaching profession of misconduct must remain on the school record of the pupil who made the accusation.

"When allegations against a teacher have been proven false, it is vital to make sure that the member of staff returns to school and is properly supported. A teacher who has been falsely accused should not have to walk down the corridor and face the pupil who made the bogus claim.

"Unfortunately, pupils have discovered how easy it is to get a teacher suspended. It is up to the government to press local authorities to look at alternatives to suspension, which often results in the accused being absent from school for a long period of time."