THE STANDARD
LETTERS
Students at a school [Courtesy]
Research has shown that corporal punishment in school is not effective and can do more harm than good. Research has also shown that more students of colour and students with disabilities experience instances of corporal punishment more than their peers. Studies have further shown that children who are beaten and abused are more likely to be prone to depression, low self-esteem and suicide.
The simple fact that corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure is not part of any education curriculum indicates that educators know it has no place in the classroom. Discipline can and should be taught by example and through non-physical consequences.