I cannot believe what I just read. Are parents feeling so powerless and so incapable that they feel their childs’ discipline should be in the hands of teachers? Teachers should never be given the ability to impose physical punishment on their students. I don’t believe the punishments would end up being for the betterment of the child, but rather for restoring peace and quiet. An orderly classroom is no reason to cane children.
Nearly half of parents of secondary school children say corporal punishment such as the cane or slipper should be reintroduced, a survey suggests.
In total, 49% of more than 2,000 parents surveyed for the Times Educational Supplement were in favour, compared with 45% who were opposed.
Nearly all surveyed thought teachers should be able to be tougher on pupils.
But one teachers’ union said evidence suggested behaviour has improved since corporal punishment was banned.
The research, carried out by YouGov, showed slightly less support for corporal punishment than a TES survey in 2000 – which found 51% of parents in favour.
And when parents were asked specifically about “smacking/caning children”, support dropped to 40%, with 53% disagreeing.
Teachers must learn to command respect and good behaviour. They must be given the support of the school community to impose rules and regulations and must be consistent in metering out consequences.
Spare the cane and find an alternative.
Tags: Caning, Children, Corporal Punishment, Education, kids, Smacking, Teachers, Times Educational Supplement, YouGov
Topical Teaching 
September 16, 2011 at 7:32 pm |
The best techniques of earning respect(see I said earned-it is not automatic as some demand) is by respecting kids, being fair, and being kind. I always wrote letters home telling parents how well their child was doing or that improvement has been shown. Do that two weeks before Christmas and you become God. My friend Mr. Adler was such a kind man the students would never misbehave in explosive ways in class because that did “not want to do that to Mr. Adler”
September 18, 2011 at 5:13 pm |
Sadly I must admit that I’m not terribly surprised by this survey. Surveys for the return of capital punishment usually get majorities too. I think there is an element in society that want simple solutions to complex problems and see violence as offering that solution. Add the “it never did me any harm” brigade and you get a worrying majority.
I agree with you. I think if you need to resort to hitting a child to control them then you’ve already failed.