Beyond Punishment: Schools must nurture, not hurt
By: Irshad Ahmad Wani
Teachers, with the noble intention of shaping students into disciplined and responsible individuals, often find themselves resorting to punishment when faced with indiscipline or academic struggles.
Many educators, both in government and private schools, argue that strict measures are sometimes necessary to maintain order and ensure effective learning. While this belief is deeply rooted in traditional disciplinary methods, the negative consequences of corporal punishment are often overlooked. This article delves into the concept of corporal punishment, its harmful effects, and alternative strategies for positive discipline.
What is Corporal Punishment?
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child defines corporal punishment as any act involving physical force intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. This includes hitting, smacking, slapping, or spanking children with hands or objects like belts and sticks.
Legal Provisions against Corporal Punishment
The law in India takes a firm stance against corporal punishment. Section 17 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 strictly prohibits both physical punishment and mental harassment, making them punishable offenses. It mandates disciplinary action against violators under applicable service rules.
Similarly, Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, 2015 criminalizes cruelty to children by individuals responsible for their care. Offenders can face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of ₹1 lakh, with penalties extending to ten years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh in cases of grievous injury or death.
Acknowledging the devastating impact of corporal punishment, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) issued a circular on July 27, 2023, enforcing a strict ban on corporal punishment and all forms of child abuse in educational institutions across the Kashmir Division.
Forms of Corporal Punishment and Their Impact
Corporal punishment manifests in various forms, often disguised as disciplinary actions. Physical punishment includes any act that inflicts pain, discomfort, or injury—such as beating with sticks, forcing students into painful postures, or subjecting them to humiliating and physically straining tasks. On the other hand, mental harassment is more subtle but equally damaging. It includes sarcastic remarks, name-calling, public humiliation, intimidation, and ridicule, all of which deeply affect a child’s emotional and academic well-being.
The consequences of corporal punishment extend beyond temporary pain. It violates fundamental human rights, undermining a child’s dignity and protection from violence. It leads to psychological distress, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional trauma, sometimes pushing children towards suicidal thoughts.
Those subjected to corporal punishment often develop aggressive tendencies, believing violence to be an acceptable means of conflict resolution. A fear-driven learning environment hampers creativity and self-confidence, disrupting healthy socio-emotional development. In severe cases, corporal punishment can cause permanent physical damage, including bruises, fractures, organ injuries, and sensory impairments.
Despite legal bans and their ramifications, cases of corporal punishment continue to emerge, with some being reported while many go unnoticed. Teachers must recognize the severe consequences of such actions and strive to adopt alternative disciplinary measures. Discipline is essential in schools, but it should never come at the cost of a child’s physical or emotional well-being.
Alternative Discipline Strategies
Teachers frequently encounter students who are slow learners, disrupt classroom discipline, or exhibit undesirable behavior. Addressing such students requires patience, empathy, and effective classroom management skills. Many educators, feeling the pressure to maintain order, perceive the ban on corporal punishment as a limitation on their authority. However, it is imperative to understand that discipline can be maintained through positive reinforcement and student engagement, rather than fear and punishment.
One effective method is reinforcement-based discipline. Positive reinforcement—such as praise, rewards, and privileges—encourages desirable behavior. Recognizing students’ achievements, awarding certificates, allowing extra playtime, and assigning leadership roles instill a sense of responsibility and motivation.
Negative reinforcement, which involves removing an unpleasant factor when students exhibit good behavior, is another strategy. For example, teachers may reduce homework for students who complete their classwork efficiently or relax certain classroom restrictions for those who demonstrate discipline.
Another crucial strategy is engaging teaching methods. Every student learns differently, and a one-size-fits-all approach often leads to frustration and behavioral issues. Individualized instruction, peer learning, and interactive, hands-on teaching approaches help maintain students’ interest, reducing the need for punitive measures.
Effective communication is key to fostering a respectful classroom environment. Building rapport with students and listening to their concerns makes them feel valued and understood, thereby minimizing disruptive behavior. Instead of being quick to punish, teachers should adopt an approach of dialogue and encouragement.
Assigning responsibilities to students who exhibit behavioral issues can be an effective corrective measure. Giving them constructive tasks such as classroom organization or mentoring younger students helps channel their energy productively while instilling a sense of accountability.
Most importantly, teachers must model positive behavior. Children learn by observing adults, and a teacher who demonstrates patience, respect, and self-discipline naturally encourages students to follow suit.
Conclusion
Discipline is a cornerstone of an effective learning environment, but it should foster growth rather than fear. While corporal punishment may have been traditionally used to correct behavior, modern educational research and legal frameworks emphasize its counterproductive and harmful nature. Schools should be places where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn, not institutions where fear dictates behavior.
The adoption of positive discipline strategies offers a more effective and ethical alternative. Encouraging students through reinforcement, engagement, and communication can promote self-discipline, responsibility, and mutual respect. A nurturing approach not only strengthens teacher-student relationships but also cultivates a generation that values empathy, cooperation, and personal development.
Ultimately, the goal of education is not merely to enforce discipline but to instil lifelong values that shape responsible and emotionally strong individuals. The shift from punishment to guidance will ensure that schools become spaces of learning, respect, and holistic growth, paving the way for a progressive and enlightened society.
(The author is a teacher and an educator)
