An Auckland teacher's been censured for striking a teenage boy over the head for eating in class

David Bruce Reid had repeatedly asked the boy to stop eating in the science lab, but was ignored.

The Manurewa High School teacher clipped the student around the head and slammed down the lid of his laptop - then sent him out of the classroom.

Reid immediately admits it was inappropriate, but says he was exasperated... and claims the contact was non-aggressive.

But the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal says it's a clear case of serious misconduct - which could bring the profession into disrepute.

Reid has negotiated a return to the school, with conditions in place.