Gothenburg Preschool Teacher Faces Trial for Taping Children's Mouths

A preschool teacher in Gothenburg is standing trial at the city's district court, accused of taping children's mouths shut when they became too loud in class. According to reports from Dagens Nyheter and Aftonbladet, the teacher faces charges of minor assault against ten children, with the prosecutor alternatively seeking a conviction for harassment.

The incidents reportedly occurred during the previous school year at a school in Gothenburg. Children allegedly had tape placed over their mouths for several months when they talked too much during lessons. The teacher also reportedly placed post-it notes on children's foreheads, with a zero written on them to indicate they should maintain the lowest possible noise level.

The case came to light when one child mentioned the practice to another teacher who raised the alarm. The teacher was subsequently suspended and later dismissed from the school. Parents reported the incidents to police.

In previous interrogations, ten children reportedly described being 'taped' at some point, with several finding it uncomfortable and painful when the tape was removed. One child said they 'cried quietly,' while another expressed concern about what would have happened if a child with asthma had their mouth taped.

The teacher has reportedly stated through her lawyer that she denies the criminal charges. In earlier interrogations, she explained that her job was to ensure students had a quiet study environment and that she often worked alone with 24 children, which she described as very challenging. She claimed the tape was only used for short periods and that it produced results, though she acknowledged children were probably shocked by the method.

The trial began on Tuesday at Gothenburg District Court, with the teacher choosing not to comment on the proceedings according to reports.