IS CORPORAL PUNISHMENT FRUITFUL?

Corporal punishment was banned in Kenyan schools in 2001 when the Kenyan government enacted the children’s act. This act entitles children to protection from all forms of abuse and violence. In spite of this, there have been reported cases of school going children being punished in a corporal manner.

What is corporal punishment? Corporal punishment is physical maltreatment that brings about pain in order to halt a certain behavior or bring about a certain performance.

The question is, is corporal punishment effective? In schools, we see lecturers, teachers and even parents using corporal punishment to make their children effective and follow the right path. Corporal punishment is dangerous in view of the fact that it inflicts harm on students both physically and mentally, students tend to feel doubtful and life-threatened. Students might not be able to learn in such kinds of environments they tend to feel pressured and have fear in them, they always feel like if they do not perform in a certain way they will be punished.

Corporal punishment should not be encouraged in any way.  It can be administered dangerously and cause major health complications. Teachers, lecturers and parents should look for more effective ways to make their students productive and follow the right path, like talking to them or using mild ways to punish them. This will help them become less aggressive and learn how to listen and will help them be comfortable in schools and will help them feel sheltered and secure to approach teachers and parents, this will help them increase their productivity in schools.

It is also important to look for the root cause of misbehavior in students before punishing them. Some students just need a listening ear and someone to guide them so they can be productive.

Put an end to corporal punishment in students as a means of disciplining, help them in growing and becoming comfortable in schools.