How Can You Tell When Your Child Is Being Bullied By A Teacher?

We assume that all adults who serve as teachers, coaches and other personel who work with youth are mature enough to appropriately handle relationships with children. However, some people abuse their authority and force children to accept being publicly demeaned, degraded, humiliated, and embarrassed. Don't our children have the right to be respected? What are we teaching them when we bully them just because we can? Do all adults understand the difference between being a firm leader and being a bully when it comes to shaping children's behavior? Recently, several children who complained about feeling uncomfortable when made to watch a movie and participate in a discussion on same sex marriage were harshly reprimanded by the teacher for not wanting to participate in the conversation. Should a student's feelings about not discussing sex or religion be dismissed by teachers? What kinds of public reprimands are considered insults, and is there a line teachers should not cross? How should a parent address this issue?