Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-05-23

A Gauteng teacher is being investigated for allegedly screening pornography in the classroom.

Learners at Edenglen High School in Edenvale say they endured a shocking Life Orientation lesson.

It’s alleged their teacher watched pornography while his laptop was connected to the overhead projector.

Gauteng Education authorities say they were quick to act once the matter was reported.

“As soon as the allegations was reported to us, we sent in our team to the school and they are currently giving counselling to the learners,” said Phumla Sekhonyane, spokesperson for the Gauteng Education Department.

The department is not treating the matter lightly and say the teacher and pupils will be given the opportunity to explain what happened.

“Because of the seriousness of these allegations, we have removed the educator from the school environment. He is currently reporting to our district pending the 48 hour period within which he has to respond to us,” said Sekhonyane.

Clinical psychologist Ian Opperman says such incidents are on the rise because pornography has become easier to access.

Opperman’s concerned about the manner in which some children are introduced to sex saying it may prove traumatic to some. “They reckon that one out of three or one out four children have been victims of a child with sexual abuse.”

“Of course sitting in a classroom situation where an educator or a caregiver is supposed to take care of you and then exposing you to graphic images like pornography could reawaken the trauma of the sexual abuse,” said Opperman.

Parents at the school refused to comment, but expressed disappointment over the incident saying they are relieved the teacher is no longer on school grounds.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)