|
Corporal Punishment
- Myths and Realities
The National US PTA, Copyright 1999
Myth: Corporal punishment is used only as the last resort
Reality: Corporal punishment is often the first response even for
minor infractions. Teachers and parents need training in nonviolent
ways to handle behavior problems
Myth: Teachers need the right to use corporal punishment to
protect themselves. Reality: Using physical force for
self-protection is not considered corporal punishment. School
employees have the right to use force to protect themselves or other
people from bodily harm, to gain control of a dangerous weapon or to
protect property from damage.
Myth: If corporal punishment is banned, the school will be in
chaos. Reality: Again and again, experience has shown that this does
not happen. At worst, behavior remains about the same after corporal
punishment is abolished. When alternative discipline codes are put
in place, disruption is usually significantly reduce.
Myth: The kid must have deserved it. Reality: Children are
paddled for such minor infractions as whispering, giggling or not
finishing their milk.
Myth: Corporal punishment is used only on the worst kids.
Reality: The most likely victims of corporal punishment are the most
vulnerable, for example, minorities, the smallest boys, children
with disabilities.
Myth: A little swat is good for some kids. Reality: Corporal
punishment hurts all kids, victims and witnesses alike. It increases
learning problems and decreases student's ability to concentrate and
remember. In severe cases, students subjected to corporal punishment
exhibit symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, similar to the
syndrome experienced by Vietnam veterans.
Myth: Corporal punishment prevents unruliness. Reality: The
higher the incidence of corporal punishment in a school, the higher
the level of vandalism and delinquency.
Myth: It's okay to use corporal punishment if parents give
permission. Reality: A spanking at school is very destructive to a
child's sense of self-worth. It hurts other children too by
frightening them or sending them the message that violence is a
solution to problems. Also, paddling at school sends the message
it's okay to hit kids at home, too.
Myth: Using corporal punishment lets kids know who's in charge.
Reality: The best way to teach self-control is by example. When
teachers use corporal punishment, they teach that being "in charge"
means physically forcing others into submission.
Myth: I was paddled and it didn't hurt me. Reality: We all learn
by example. Adults most likely to physically punish children are
those who were corporally punished as children themselves. Using
corporal punishment today continues the cycle into the next
generation.
Myth: Corporal punishment is the only way to teach some kids.
Reality: The most difficult children are often the most helpless.
They cannot protect themselves. They need help, not hitting.
What do we want to teach? Positive discipline teaches: Right from
wrong Corporal punishment teaches: Might makes right Positive
discipline teaches: Self-control Corporal punishment teaches: It's
okay to strike out in anger Positive discipline teaches: Cooperation
in resolving conflicts Corporal punishment teaches: We control
others by force Positive discipline teaches: How to assert oneself
by stating needs in words
Corporal punishment teaches: The way to let out dissatisfaction
is by physically abusing others Positive discipline teaches:
Self-esteem, a feeling that "I am part of the solution" Corporal
punishment teaches: Low self-esteem , a feeling that "It's okay for
others to hit me" Positive discipline teaches: Clear expectations
and fair consequences Corporal punishment teaches: Hurt and
humiliation that is often out of proportion to the misbehavior
Positive discipline teaches: Respect for those in authority and
other people Corporal punishment teaches: Fear and resentment of
authority
The National PTA 330 N. Wabash, Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 60611-3690
|
