Quebec police investigate allegations children were locked in metal locker at elementary school

MONTREAL — Police and Quebec's youth protection authority have opened two investigations into serious allegations that young children were locked inside a metal locker at an elementary school north of Montreal. The practice is suspected of having been used to calm pupils who showed signs of anger or distress.

The case involves children aged five to seven who, it is alleged, were placed by school staff in a locker set aside for isolation, instead of staff using approved educational methods to deal with their behaviour.

The allegations led to the suspension of four employees, including a teacher and a member of the school administration. Education authorities condemned the practice and called it unacceptable.

Metal locker used to isolate children at school

Cogeco Nouvelles, through 98.5 FM, reported that the alleged incidents took place at an elementary school run by the Centre de services scolaire des Mille-Îles, in the Lower Laurentians region.

According to information obtained by the network, a metal locker was used on more than one occasion to isolate children who were considered hyperactive or disruptive at the school.

A photo of the locker that has been circulating shows padded lining inside, along with an instruction board setting out steps related to anger management.

The way the locker was fitted out has raised questions about how it was used and whether it had been set aside for this purpose in advance.

The authorities have not disclosed the name of the school, in order to protect the privacy of the children who may have been subjected to these practices.

Four employees suspended after complaints

The director general of the school service centre, Roch André Malo, confirmed that a complaint had been received about the use of a locker to calm students.

He said management took action as soon as it learned of the allegations, including suspending four people suspected of being linked to the incidents.

Among those temporarily suspended are a teacher and a member of the school administration.

Malo stressed that these actions do not reflect the practices approved within the centre and do not have its approval or encouragement.

He said that isolating children in lockers runs counter to sound educational methods, and that the centre is cooperating with the relevant authorities to establish all the circumstances.

Police examining possible unlawful confinement of children

Local police and Quebec's youth protection directorate (DPJ) launched two investigations after receiving three reports linked to the case.

Media reports said Blainville police are examining whether the reported incidents could amount to unlawful confinement of children.

The investigation is focusing on determining how many pupils were affected, the circumstances in which they were placed in the locker, and how often the practice occurred.

The authorities are also seeking to identify who made the decisions to isolate the children and whether school management was aware of them.

Police have not announced any criminal charges so far, and the employees involved remain innocent of any allegations that have not been proven in court.

Quebec's education minister condemns the incident

Quebec's education minister, Joël Arseneau, condemned the reported practice, saying that confining children in lockers cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

The minister stressed that methods used to deal with students must take into account their safety, dignity and individual needs.

He said the ministry is in contact with the relevant authorities to obtain further details about the incident and determine the appropriate measures.

He also said that educational interventions in schools must be based on recognized practices, not on methods that could expose children to psychological or physical harm.

Concerns about children's safety in Quebec schools

The case has revived questions about how to deal with children who have behavioural difficulties or need specialized educational support.

Education specialists say that dealing with behavioural problems requires a safe environment and appropriate supervision, taking each child's needs into account.

Providing a quiet space under the supervision of qualified staff is different from confining a child in a locker or other enclosed space.

Education authorities are awaiting the results of the investigations to determine responsibility, amid official assurances that any repeat of practices that could harm pupils' safety and dignity must be prevented.