I have an 8 yr. old student who stands and masturbates on the edge of his desk. He does it 6 to 8 times a day. I am constantly asking him to sit down and stop doing that. He says he's not itchy. I asked him if he could control his behavior and stop doing what he's doing. He said,"yes". Then he went to his desk and was doing it again a few minutes later. Is this considered normal?

That is discusting!! Hopefully it isn't a coed school!

My thought was, wow. A teacher that does not know that this behaviour needs to be questioned and dealt with. That they even question if something is wrong with it?

There is or could be something going on with this child, he does not need punishment but somebody to figure out what is going on.

I have an 8 yr. old student who stands and masturbates on the edge of his desk. He does it 6 to 8 times a day. I am constantly asking him to sit down and stop doing that. He says he's not itchy. I asked him if he could controll his behavior and stop doing what he's doing. He said,"yes". Then he went to his desk and was doing it again a few minutes later. Is this considered normal?

How long has he been doing this? Any changes in family dynamics that you know of? I've had this occur with students in the past as well... same age range. It can be normal in the sense that he has discovered that it feels good. Since he is not exposed, he does not understand that anyone would know what is going on. Of course in public it is not acceptable behaviour and it needs to be addressed. It does not necessarily mean there is something abnormal that has occurred. He could be stressed, he could just like how it feels.

Talk with him again, explain that this is something for private at home, not at school. Let him know that you will help him to remember. Keep close watch and redirect as necessary. If it doesn't resolve itself fairly soon, either write, phone, or have a conference with his parents and simply explain that little "Tommy" has discovered that this action feels good, that you have explained to him it is not OK to do while in school, and let them know what you have been doing to try help him refrain from it.

They may be mortified, which you can then assure them that it is not unusual for children this age to discover themselves, they may fill you in on any major changes at home... perhaps divorce for example, that "Tommy" may be trying to deal with, they may let you know that they have noticed this at home as well. Together you can then discuss a plan on how to handle the situation if it continues.

Certainly if you should have any reason, either now or in the future, to suspect more might be going on in the family, you will need to bring it to the attentions of your school counselor and administrator.