Boy faces possible suspension over online quiz

A Queenstown schoolboy is facing possible suspension after creating an "abusive and derogatory" online quiz about his teachers on the social networking website Facebook.

The quiz, littered with profanities, referred to one teacher as a drug user, while others were described as circus freaks, The Southland Times reported.

The 15-year-old invited friends to compare themselves to staff members at Wakatipu High School by answering five questions.

Users were then given the profile of the staff member they most closely matched.

Wakatipu High School deputy principal Grant Adolph was appalled by the comments posted on the site about staff.

"My initial reaction is that it is abusive, derogatory and divisive," he said.

The school was now discussing disciplinary options, Mr Adolph said.

"If the board felt it was gross misconduct then the school may take the actions of a stand-down or suspension."

Mr Adolph also said the teenager would face "restorative justice".

"He is going to have to face up to his actions and his victims," he said.

Students needed to realise the internet was a public forum and information published could have both positive and negative impact on their lives in the future, he said.

One teacher, who became aware of the quiz yesterday, was upset by its contents.

"It's kind of heart wrenching. That's how it made me feel," she said.

The woman said the quiz had made her question why she was a teacher.

The quiz has since been removed by Facebook.

- NZPA