Can anybody understand the mentality of trolls who abuse athletes when they fall or fail? Apparently a huge problem. What sort of person does that? Beyond mental. At least terrorists can justify their loony behaviour to themselves with some stupid religious or social motive and creed. But abusive trolls have no excuse to themselves except "I am a vile person". Weird.

A teacher friend of mine tells me she is regularly abused anonymously by pupils on line, and by some parents - who feel that their children are being treated unfairly.

Her classroom authority is constantly undermined and unpopular decisions criticised. The practice is particularly upsetting in her small community, where everyone knows each other.

Sadly the criticism and abuse are not limited to school activities - and often include personal insults about her private/personal life, usually just made up.

Consequently, this excellent and natural teacher is considering a career move (out of the goldfish bowl) into office work -
which doesn't attract the same perverse levels of attention.

They feel they that they have some sort of power, as they can abuse anonymously.

andrew wrote:
They feel they that they have some sort of power, as they can abuse anonymously.

It is a cowardly way of going about it.

Everyone used to be in awe of teachers. When did that stop?

honey!oh sugar sugar. wrote:
andrew wrote:
They feel they that they have some sort of power, as they can abuse anonymously.

It is a cowardly way of going about it.

Everyone used to be in awe of teachers. When did that stop?

A mate of mine tried to arrange a rendezvous with his online troll and the coward never showed up.

I was looking forward to seeing a punch up as well.