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Child Handcuffed at School: Parents Demand Answers
22 May
Summary
- An 11-year-old boy with behavioral disorders was handcuffed by police at school.
- His parents question the school's handling of the escalating crisis.
- Lack of resources and support staff is blamed for increased violence.
A First Nations family in Brandon, Manitoba, is seeking accountability after their 11-year-old son, who has oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, autism, and is intellectually developmentally delayed, was handcuffed by at least four police officers at Earl Oxford School on Tuesday.
The boy's parents reported that police were called before they were, and they question why the school did not attempt to de-escalate the situation by allowing their son to speak with his mother. Police stated the boy caused significant damage, including punching the principal and breaking through drywall.
After arriving, the mother was allowed to speak with her son, but he remained aggressive. He was taken into custody for safety reasons and released to his father and treatment staff once calm. The mother claims her son was crying and struggling to breathe while restrained.
Concerns are raised about the school's preparedness and the availability of essential support staff like occupational therapists and psychologists. The Manitoba Teachers' Society reports an increase in behavioral issues and a critical lack of resources and support for teachers.
Sociology professor Chris Schneider noted it's unusual for children under 12 to be taken into police custody and handcuffed. He stressed the need for de-escalation training for both police and school staff, and adequate funding for mental health support workers.
The boy is now taking his schoolwork home, as he no longer feels safe at Earl Oxford and is afraid to return. The family is seeking an apology and accountability for the incident, describing the experience as traumatic.
