[mrnoodle]

BigV, is it the image of the girl wearing handcuffs that's so objectionable, or the actual long-term effect on the child herself? Because she'll live. Having to hold her hands behind her back for 15 minutes will not scar her nearly as deeply as 1) whatever environment fostered her acting out; 2) being allowed to throw tantrums unchecked; 3) growing up in a world where your every action is viewed through a filter of pop psychology and victimhood rather than personal responsibility.

I suspect that you are the kind of empathetic person who sees your own child in the eyes of every other child, and that's a good thing. But not every child is as well-adjusted as yours, and not every teacher is a trained expert in handling every random behavioral oddity that comes through her door.

Ok, say you're a teacher. Class is proceeding normally, when suddenly Sybil starts spewing green puke from the back of the room. You have 10 seconds to restore order. 3,2,1, GO.
...try to hug her, she tries to claw your eyes out
...try to explain to her, she screams and spits, not hearing a word
...try to remove her from the classroom by taking her arm. Oops, you left a mark. Abuse! call the ACLU!
...try to remember page 57 of whatever flavor-of-the-month child development manual you read last week. I think it had something to do with "strong-willed children". OW! the (edit: brat)bit me.

10 minutes, not seconds, have now elapsed, and you have a case study in demon possession still raving in front of you. Come on, you're the teacher! Fix it, NOW! But don't screw up, or you'll lose your job and won't be able to make your mortgage or care for your own children. Plus, know that every action you take is a possible lawsuit in the making, not to mention a possible life-altering event for the foaming monster in front of you (within whom, somewhere, is a little girl).

Not quite so easy as Monday morning quarterbacking, is it?