Case
"R" rated video during class time

Your students have worked hard preparing for an exam, and they are asking that you reward them by showing an unapproved "R" rated video during class time. One of the students rents the movie and brings it to class. Previously, you had seen the movie and you think it is ok. Were any ethics principles violated?

Posted on: 09/23/14 | Views: 2032
Solution #1
Top Solution
Ethics principles would be violated if the movie is shown. Many schools have a protocol when it comes to showing movies in the class. Most schools require the movie to be previewed by the media specialist and/or the administration before it can be approved. The teacher should have taken control of the class and asserted that it was not appropriate for the movie to be shown.

I agree with this solution. I think that if the movie had been shown some lines would have been crossed. If you are planning on showing something that is rated R you should at least send out a parent permission form.

I agree I enjoyed reading this idea

This is a very well said solution. I agree.

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Solution #2
None of the ethics were violated until you show the movie. In my school system, movies must be approved and they must be in the lesson plans. I would tell the students to watch those movies at home because they are not appropriate for school. I would find another way to reward them in a way that is beneficial for both the students and the teacher.

Absolutely agree. I also like the idea of sending permission slips to high school if the R rated movie is needed to illustrate a part of the curriculum and has been approved.

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Solution #3
Yes, ethics principles were violated. The teacher should have asked the administration for permission and sent home permission slips for All students to get signed. Proper protocol was not followed in this case.
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Solution #4
Yes. Schools have rules that prohibit the viewing of R rated movies in the classroom. A teacher cannot make the determination that it is okay to watch just because they have seen it before.
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Solution #5
First of all, just because a student brought it to class doesn't mean it would be watched. I had a similar incident happen with my son's class last year and I was outraged!I would not reward them with inappropriate material. I would ask the administrator for approval upon their preview of the video. If it wasn't approved, it would not be watched. There are procedures in place for such things and they need to be followed for the good of our careers and the good of our students!

I agree the rules need to be followed it is not up to the teachers discretion.

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Solution #6
Most definitely! Teachers should make sure that video is approved by county's media specialist for movies that are appropriate to show in class. It is also depends on the age group of the class.
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Solution #7
This is unacceptable. The student should be reprimanded for bringing inappropriate materials to class. I would send the dvd to the front office and have the parents collect it. You do not know for sure if the parents even know he has such content so therefore you do not want to send him back home with it, without at least letting them know about the situation.
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Solution #8
This is not okay. A teacher should not show a rated R movie unless all students have received permission by their parent.
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Solution #9
I think a parent permission form would be necessary to show the video. You never know what backlash could come from showing an R rated video without consent.
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Solution #10
If this was for middle or elementary school, then yes. For high school, permission slips need to be sent home and signed for students to see the movie. The movie also doesn't pertain to any lesson plans, so I would think that would be a huge mistake on the teachers part. Elementary and Middle school are too young for that material and I would think that most parents would highly disagree with showing their child an R rated movie.
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Solution #11
Until the movie is actually played, no ethics principles are violated. If the teacher decides to show the movie then violations have been made. The second that the student shows up to class with the movie he teacher needs to make it clear that they are not watching the movie.
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Solution #12
What grade level are the students? I remember multiple R rated movies being shown to me from teachers in high school, movies about world war II and other such things. I think it is a real mistake to not allow a movie to be shown if it has educational qualities and is not just being shown for entertainment. I don't care what the media center or advisory board thinks either. Those people are such hypocrites. It is our duty as teachers to not hold back information about the world.

Many movies with historic content are rated R and therefore need permission slips sent home for the parents/ guardians to decide if appropriate for their child. I wouldn't put my job in jeopardy over a movie.

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