I think most male teachers in the US will tell you that they have to be careful never to be alone in a room with a student, and careful never to hug a crying student.

Meanwhile female teachers either don't have to worry about this much, or will even be applauded for comforting a crying student by hugging them.

If we're exchanging anecdotes, I had male (and female) teachers in middle and high school (early to mid 2000s) who often spent time alone with students - including myself. Maybe things have changed.

I also would have felt weird being hugged or otherwise touched by any teacher, male or female. I don't remember seeing much of that.

As a male high school level teacher, it’s not something I worry about any more than I worry about being hit by an angry student. I’m not some kind of automatic victim without agency or authority in either situation. Outrageous.