What about if their behaviour breaks the hearts of other children, equally or more vulnerable? Empathy and sympathy are what make us human, but that must extend to every child in our care. In order to maximise the safety and dignity of all, students who abuse others need to experience boundaries and consequences, as well as, but not only, understanding and care.

This is largely excruciating nonsense. Children need calm, safe environments where the expectations are clear, scaffolded, and taught; where boundaries are upheld and consequences happen when they are breached-with support when required. Treating misbehaviour as a pathology, or children as China dolls, actually makes them less safe, more vulnerable.

Not all behaviour communicates something relevant, mysterious, or complex.

Telling a child that their actions have consequences, and then ensuring those consequences happen, is *exactly* how you teach someone to trust you. Because you meant what you said. Never holding a child accountable for their actions, never challenging, never penalising them, is how you teach them that you, and other people are inconsequential, and they are untouchable. Which is a terrible lesson to teach, and one that bears bitter fruit in adulthood.