Relationship Queries

I have heard a lot about corporal punishment in schools. Can you please explain what is corporal punishment? Does it have negative consequences in child’s behaviour.

Corporal punishment involves the application of some sort of physical pain in response to a child’s undesired behaviour. This response can range from a light slapping of a hand to severe beatings that qualify as child abuse. Children who receive corporal punishment tend to grow into angry adults. The use of spanking in older children is associated with higher rates of substance abuse and crime and has been linked to poor self-esteem, depression, and poor educational performance.

Hence, I vehemently feel that corporal punishment should never be used.

Corporal punishment does not instruct a child in correct behaviour. Without the replacement behaviour being taught, there will be nothing to take the place of inappropriate behaviour.

Moreover, the use of corporal punishment in schools communicates that hitting is the correct way to solve problems and violence is acceptable in our society. Corporal punishment does not produce long-lasting changes in behaviour, negatively effects the social, psychological and educational development of students, contributes to the cycle of child abuse, and promotes pro-violence attitudes of youth.