According to the 2003 National Survey, the South African Social Attitude Survey, supporting the use of physical punishment was the “the strongest predictor of severe corporal punishment.1
Here are responses for the most common arguments for corporal punishment:
- Pro: Corporal Punishment is an immediate and effective way of managing behavior in the short term.
Con: Corporal punishment is not an effective method of maintaining discipline and order. It does not address the issue behind the misbehavior, only the symptoms. Corporal punishment does not provide an explanation or constructive feedback. Punishing a child is far less productive than explaining the child’s misconduct and working with them to correct this behavior and establish self-discipline. By punishing rather than addressing cause of the problem, the misbehavior is more likely to occur again. If corporal punishment were effective, ‘difficult children’ would stop misbehaving after being punished. But studies have shown that the same children are repeatedly punished for the same offences.2 In contrast, research demonstrates that teachers who implement positive behavior management have the fewest behavior problems. Using corporal punishment prolongs discovering the solution to the problem. 3 In addition, corporal punishment exemplifies violence. It demonstrates to the child that violence is an acceptable way to get what they want.
- Pro: Corporal Punishment is effective in the long term.
Con: Corporal punishment affects a child’s present and future relationships. Corporal punishment weakens the relationship between the teacher and students. It creates a less welcoming and learning-conducive environment. In addition, corporal punishment establishes a model for future relationships. The violence demonstrated through corporal punishment can be seen particularly within romantic relationships. Corporal punishment sets a precedent for boys to impose behavior rules and punishments upon girlfriends. Schools are supposed to nurture responsible citizens. Eliminating violence in the future begins with educating children in the present.4
‘Perhaps there is no greater consensus among clinical observations and research literature anywhere than that relating to the finding that aggression breeds aggression and that violence is a learned response…The roots of much family violence and even much international violence are traceable to violent child-rearing and punitive pedagogies.’ (Holdstoc, 1990; 354 IPT, 1999.)5
- Pro: Corporal punishment should be allowed as a last resort.
Con: Frequently the most ‘difficult’ children are the one with the most difficult problems. Children often misbehave as a result of other problems, such as learning disabilities. Other ‘difficult’ children react to family or environmental problems by acting out. Since these children are coping with other issues already, they are the ones who frequently react the worst to corporal punishment. They are often trying to cope with unsolved problems in the only way they know how. Corporal punishment shifts the focus from the lesson behind the beating to the beating itself. Some children even consider a beating an indication of bravery, worthy of bragging rights. Corporal punishment ignores cause of the misbehavior and distracts the child from the lesson the educator attempts to teach.
- Pro: ‘I was not adversely affected by corporal punishment.’
Con: All people respond to all situations differently, including corporal punishment. Some children are more sensitive than others, therefore some react more negatively to corporal punishment. It is very rare to find a person who is not at all affected in their interpersonal relationships, performance, or self-confidence who corporal punishment was administered to. Psychological research shows that children who were subjected to corporal punishment are far more likely to commit violent behavior in the future.
- Pro: Corporal punishment is fundamental in South Africa’s religions and culture.
Con: People are entitled to freedom of religion, but only as long as it does not violate others’ human rights. The major world religions may have references to punitive action. It is important to understand that these references promote punishment according to particular interpretations. Culture is subject to change. Culture depicts the values and ideas of people at that particular point in time. It is also important to realize that culture and religion have at times been used to justify discrimination, oppression, and violence. South Africa’s Constitution acknowledges human rights for all.6
- Pro: Minor corporal punishment by parents is not the same as brutal beatings. Small issuing of corporal punishment is not child abuse and teaches respect.
Con: Besides the evidence that corporal punishment is ineffective, there are still other compelling reasons to outlaw corporal punishment all together. Merely having regulations of the types and degree of corporal punishment allowed would not guartentee they would be enforced. Allowing corporal punishment of any degree or type allows for leeway for great degrees and types. Corporal punishment during the apartheid area is a exemplifies this point.7
- Pro: Corporal punishment is a small problem compared to many other human rights issues South Africa is facing currently.
Con: Confronting corporal punishment assesses South Africa perspective on child rights. It addresses a child’s rights to protection and safety. This corporal punishment should be evaluated to guarantee that all aspects of a child’s rights are protected. 8
1 Ending Legaliszed Violence Against Children. Global Initiave to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. All Afirca Special Report. Save the Child Sweden. P. 30
2 Alternatives to Corporal Punishment: The Learning Experience, A Practical Guide for Educators: To develop and maintain a culture of discipline, dignity, and respect. p. 6
3 Alternatives to Corporal Punishment: Growing discipline and respect in our own classrooms. Porteus, Kimberley, Vally, Salim, Ruth, Tamar. p.10
4 Alternatives to Corporal Punishment: Growing discipline and respect in our own classrooms. Porteus, Kimberley, Vally, Salim, Ruth, Tamar. p.14, 5
5 Alternatives to Corporal Punishment: Growing discipline and respect in our own classrooms. Porteus, Kimberley, Vally, Salim, Ruth, Tamar. p.15
6 Soneson, Ulrika. Ending Corporal Punishment of Children in South Africa. Save the Children Sweden. Pretoria: Save the Children Sweden. 2005. p. 22-3.
7 Soneson, Ulrika. Ending Corporal Punishment of Children in South Africa. Save the Children Sweden. Pretoria: Save the Children Sweden. 2005. p. 22-3.
8 Soneson, Ulrika. Ending Corporal Punishment of Children in South Africa. Save the Children Sweden. Pretoria: Save the Children Sweden. 2005. p. 22-3.