THE disciplining of learners has rightfully attracted much debate over the years. There are divided views as to the legal and moral extent to which educators can enforce corporal punishment.

Some have called for its immediate abolishment, particularly given the high level of violence in today’s society and the long-term physical and psychological damage such actions are known to cause to children.

Others insist that it is necessary, since the ‘Gen Z’ generation lack discipline. This grouping feels that all measures must be used and exploited to bring them in line, so as to ensure that they become successful adults and that they don’t end up on the wrong side of the law. This line of thinking is supported by the many school fights we have seen in various parts of the country since the school year began in September.

The violence displayed is worrying and leads one to question the home and community environment these students are being brought up in. The Ministry of Education has rightfully stepped in and has organised counselling services and other forms of support for the students involved and their parents.
Angry parents have also displayed photos of bruises on their children on social media. Videos capturing instances of corporal punishment have also been posted on Facebook.
The latest incident involves a teacher beating and toppling a child off his feet in a classroom of a Region Seven secondary school in full view of his classmates.
At the centre of the issue was the socks the male student was wearing at the time. The student’s rudeness and his insistence that he should not obey his teacher’s instruction led to the teacher taking physical action.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has publicly said that an investigation has begun and that the teacher has been sent on administrative leave. As members of the public, we should allow the investigation to conclude and the ministry to take appropriate action.
Manickchand, who is herself a parent, has repeatedly opposed the use of corporal punishment. She has stressed that there are guidelines in place which govern discipline in the school system and they must be adhered to.

According to the ministry’s guidelines, corporal punishment in schools must only be administered by the head teacher, deputy, or designated senior mistress or master.
Regardless of one’s views, those of the minister and other stakeholders must be respected. Guyana has laws that protect children, including from physical abuse, which is what some may describe corporal punishment as.

The calls for the abolition of this physical form of punishment has been around for a very long time; it is not a new issue. It was there while Manickchand previously held the Education Minister position and before that. It was a topic of discussion and concern under the last administration and now we are at it again.
What is pellucid is that we are going around in circles. A permanent solution must be found though collective engagements and input from all stakeholders. This is an issue that ought to be given urgent and national attention.

Children are vulnerable and must be protected at all costs, even if they display stubbornness.
This is a generation that is facing many, many challenges. As such, no effort should be spared in ensuring that those born in this era can make a valuable contribution to the development of this country, the Region and the rest of the world. The creation of a safe, comfortable and violence-free learning environment is a step in the right direction.