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Thank you all very much for the replies, that has helped. After having read them, could I now say, thanks to IggyB, I do understand what the furore actually was. Additionally, to Squarebear, could I say that I was in no way suggesting we blame the incident on the children, rather than the teacher. My point was entirely that I could not in any way see that there 'was' blame to be apportioned to anyone.
However, I can understand the imagery involved now. And I am inclined to agree with the first chap's posting, that this was an extreme reaction, and most likely (well, hopefully at least) from a small minority.
Thanks everyone.