Articles
Discipline Without Punishment
Discipline begets success and confidence. Discipline is the core value, one of the most essential inherent traits of an individual, but it is aptly said that disciple must come from within. On the contrary, schools, teachers and sometimes even the parents try to bring discipline through punishment. Children have always been the victims of punishment since ancient times. Even today, punishment is a regular affair in schools everywhere. Thousands of children are physically or psychologically abused each year in schools by teachers, at home by parents in the name of punishment.
It's time to understand that punishment is damaging and an ineffective method to correct students. In fact, schools are entrusted and its incumbent upon them to provide safe, caring friendly environment conductive to learning. It is the duty and moral responsibility of the schools to inculcate moral values and develop positive traits in the students and it is accepted universally that children can be corrected and disciplined by alternate positive and constructive measures other than punishment. Research has shown that new disciplinary methods are creating safer schools and more productive opportunities for children to learn appropriate behavior.
The colonial and ancient principle of beating of children by teachers is no more permitted. Legal position has changed. It is no longer recognized the right of teachers to give corporal punishment to students and there is complete ban on it now. Corporal punishment is prohibited in schools across India under the Right To Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009). But it is really unfortunate that many students in our schools are still becoming victims of Corporal Punishment. We need to understand that punishment deeply affects the psyche of the child and
has long term adverse emotional psychological consequences. It belittles the child, makes him introvert, reclusive, withdrawn and depressed. It may even lead to suicidal tendencies in the child.
Teachers occupy pride and place next below the parents and therefore they owe a great responsibility and accountability to discipline the students with total dedication. We have to learn to respect the dignity of children. Teachers need to be positive, assertive and role models for their students. Good behavior, discipline is to be demonstrated by the teachers before preaching the importance of discipline.
To conclude, it is the collective responsibility of the school, the teachers and the parents to provide a safe caring, loving, happy and healthy environment to the students where “ All Is Well” and where they can navigate to their dreams and fulfill their ambition. May God bless our children!!!