Dear Editor,

The trend in countries such as the United States and the UK over the decades has been to eradicate the need for corporal punishment in favour of alternative disciplinary methods.

Jamaica’s minister of education, like his predecessor, apparently is in favour of following suit as he believes it encourages violence in the society. However, if corporal punishment advocates are correct, then its abandonment will significantly increase violence and criminality among the future generation of adults. Opponents, of course, will charge that it will decrease violence, rage and criminality among the youth, leading to a better and gentler society.

Neither side has any concrete reasons to justify their advocacy. However, there has to be some respect and common ground in this debate, rather than have the decision of one or a few overriding the will of others.

In the case of a parent who asks that a teacher discipline their child via corporal punishment if that child gets out of line, does the desire of the minister trump the right of a parent? Or does a teacher who, through the threat or use of corporal punishment, achieves behavioural discipline in his/her students have the right to rule as he/she sees fit?

The first issue in the debate is that neither side is willing to listen to the other. Those who advocate the abolition of corporal punishment see themselves as experts who are always right and often belittle those who oppose their view.

What is needed is for schools to be allowed, through consultation with parents, to decide on the appropriate punishment for misbehaviour.

Schools could require parents to sign forms giving permission for corporal punishment in relation to their children, thus not infringing on the right of the parents who do not agree with it.

Outlawing what is commonplace in many parts of Jamaica is not the way to go. It will just lead to greater alienation of one section of the society and to other similar yet extreme methods of punishment within schools.

I would suggest to the minister to have dialogue on this issue and gain the input of teachers, parents and even students, not just the advisors to the ministry.

Collin Hutchinson

Lauderdale Lakes

Florida, USA

spjamguy@hotmail.com