The Ministry of Education has taken action against a teacher who mistreated a child with special needs in Vaavu Atoll School.

Following the circulation of a video that shows a female teacher mistreating a child with special needs during a school activity in Fulidhoo island of Vaavu atoll, Minister of Education Aishath Ali revealed that immediate action has been taken, “the moment it became known”.

The minister was quick to take to twitter following public outcry, writing that mistreatment or abuse of children is a “serious offense” and requires prompt action.

However, the action that was taken, has not been specified yet, with social media users bombarding the minister with questions seeking an exact answer for the "action that was taken”.

The video in question shows a teacher slapping an autistic child across the cheek, another teacher is seen trying to talk to him as he continues to move around.