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Dealing with rude, abusive parents a common challenge, say school security officers

Dealing with rude, abusive parents a common challenge, say school security officers

Security guards interviewed said the incident of a suspected rash act outside Red Swastika School did not surprise them. They said that they have faced various forms of abuse on the job.  Some security guards working in schools said the biggest challenge they face is dealing with parents

Security companies said that the abuse faced by these officers is a matter of concern, especially since many in the profession are older workers. 

ARGUMENTATIVE PARENTS

Mr Siva, not his real name, a former security guard of a school in Punggol who now works at a condominium, recalled an incident several years ago.

It was the day the students collected the results for a national examination and he was berated by a parent for not allowing him to park in the school compound. 

Mr Lim, 67, a security officer who has been working at different public schools for six years, has witnessed many occasions when parents simply ignored the security guards or treat them with disrespect.

On dealing with defiant parents, the guard said: “Many look down on us. They will not listen to us. If we encounter a problem, (we) always seek the operation manager's help.” 

NOT JUST AT SCHOOLS

Security guards stationed in malls and condominiums told TODAY that they suffer abuse as well, especially when they try to enforce rules set by the Government or building management. 

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