Corporal punishment in schools is a horrible idea!
Not only is it demeaning and degrading to children (the very children we are served with the responsibility to protect and nurture), but in my view, teachers do not even deserve the trust that goes with such a task.
There is an idealised notion in the wider community that all teachers act with the best interests of their students. I wish this were true. Sadly, it isn’t. Some teachers, a minority but still enough to make you worry, think very selfishly when it comes to administering consequences for student infractions. They just want whatever and whoever is bothering them to go away, the pain or discomfort inflicted on the child is an afterthought at best.
Don’t believe me? Click on this link.
If corporal punishment was allowed, the very best teachers would refuse to practice it. Some of those that would implement it would inevitably include tired and worn out teachers, low on patience and with a distinct anger problem. These teachers are incapable of administering punishment properly whether by force or any other means, but especially by force.
I’m sick of the radicalisation of education! Why does it have to be a case of hit the child or spoil the child? Why can’t we seize the middle ground and offer a school experience that is positive and vibrant, that makes each child feel valued for who they are and who they can become, but at the same time build high expectations for proper behaviour and attitude?
I think the thoughts of Dr. Donnelly (a man whose views I often agree with) are quite regressive and disappointing:
The head of the Abbott government’s national curriculum review has backed the use of corporal punishment for ill-disciplined children in schools if it is supported by the local school community.
Kevin Donnelly, co-chair of the national curriculum review and a widely published commentator on educational issues, said on Tuesday that corporal punishment was effective during his childhood and still has some merit.
“What would you, as you’ve been involved with this for so long, describe as the best punishment you can come across even if it is one that has gone away?” asked 2UE host Justin Smith. “I’m not alluding to the strap here. I don’t think you would ever resort to that. You would never advocate bringing that back surely?”
Topical Teaching 