Time to rethink corporal punishment

Mmegi Editor | Monday February 23, 2026 06:18

Yet, as we assess the current state of discipline in many schools, we must confront an uncomfortable reality: student delinquency appears to be spiralling beyond control. Reports of bullying, classroom disruption, open defiance of teachers, and even violence amongst students are increasingly common. Teachers, once regarded as authoritative figures capable of maintaining order, now often find themselves struggling to manage classrooms effectively. Many educators quietly admit they feel stripped of meaningful disciplinary tools, left to rely on warnings and suspensions that frequently fail to reform delinquent behaviour.

It is true that corporal punishment, in some instances, was misused and crossed the line into abuse. Those cases deserved condemnation and corrective action. However, it is equally important to recognise that such instances were not necessarily representative of the bigger picture. Historically, corporal punishment functioned as a remedial measure a deterrent against habitual misbehavior and common nuisance among students. For generations, it instilled a clear understanding of consequences, reinforcing respect for authority and boundaries within the school environment. The critical question, therefore, is not simply whether corporal punishment can be harmful but whether its complete removal has created a disciplinary vacuum. What changed? Why did a method that once maintained order become wholly unacceptable? And more importantly, what viable alternatives have truly replaced it?

It is insufficient to declare a policy change without ensuring effective substitutes. Restorative justice programmes, counselling, and parental involvement are frequently cited as modern solutions. While these approaches have merit, their implementation has often been inconsistent, underfunded, or poorly monitored. The result is a growing perception that discipline has weakened, emboldening some students to test boundaries with little fear of meaningful consequences.

This editorial does not advocate for unchecked or abusive practices. No child should suffer harm in the name of discipline. However, we must ask ourselves whether the pendulum has swung too far. A balanced discussion, one that acknowledges both the risks of corporal punishment and the pressing need for effective discipline in schools is overdue. Ultimately, maintaining order in educational institutions is not merely about punishment; it is about cultivating respect, responsibility, and accountability. If the current system is failing to achieve these goals, then policymakers, educators, parents, and communities must come together to reassess the approach. Discipline cannot be optional in schools. Without it, the very foundation of learning begins to erode.

“So much of left-wing thought is a kind of playing with fire by people who don’t even know that fire is hot”- George Orwell