Parents Demand Return of Corporal Punishment in Schools
Parents and guardians in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are calling for the return of corporal punishment in schools, citing a rise in student indiscipline.
The concerns stem from increasing reports of disrespect towards teachers and unruly behaviour among students, raising alarm bells within the education community and beyond.
Madam Celestine Dzifa Dzivor, a mother of five, expressed her frustration to the Ghana News Agency, recounting instances of students assaulting teachers without repercussions. She urged authorities to reinstate corporal punishment as a means of restoring order in schools. “Discipline of olden days should be brought back; teachers must be given the authority and the full backing to punish any child who is going wayward,” she said.
According to Madam Dzivor, many parents in the Keta area believe a decline in discipline is contributing to falling academic standards and poor social behaviour. Despite acknowledging the controversy, she maintains that a “firm hand” is needed to guide today’s children, whom she describes as “too unruly.”
The calls for corporal punishment coincide with growing anxieties about the influence of social media on student conduct. Parents believe exposure to violent and explicit content online is exacerbating the problem.
Mr. Seth Megayor, a teacher in the municipality, attributed the indiscipline to factors like peer pressure, inadequate parental care, and the emulation of celebrity lifestyles. “Parents must play a vital role in modelling children at home,” he stated.
He also voiced support for the return of corporal punishment, emphasizing the need for a more effective disciplinary approach. Other educators have suggested that if implemented, corporal punishment should be used judiciously and alongside other disciplinary measures.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has acknowledged the concerns, reaffirming its commitment to promoting positive discipline in schools. The GES stressed the importance of a balanced approach, prioritizing guidance and counselling over purely punitive measures.
Teacher unions, including the Ghana National Association of Teachers and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, have welcomed the debate and pledged collaboration with stakeholders to foster positive discipline. They are also urging the government to provide schools with the necessary resources to address indiscipline and cultivate a culture of respect and obedience.
As the nation seeks a solution, parents and teachers remain hopeful that authorities will take decisive action to restore discipline in schools while simultaneously strengthening guidance and counselling services to support students’ positive development.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
