Each time the corporal punishment debate is revived we are reminded of two of the more egregious incidents of harm to a child in recent memory.

In 2009, a boy, Tajoery Small, was left virtually blind in one eye because of an accident flowing from an attempt at corpor
al punishment. A teacher, who had grown frustrated with another student’s behaviour, used a belt to hit the unruly child. However, the buckle of the belt struck Tajoery’s left eye as he sat on the bench the two children shared. Even after extensive surgery, he lost vision in that eye.

The second incident occurred in July 2021. Four-year-old Nashawn Brown died after allegedly being beaten at home for eating too slowly.

Both incidents elicited outrage regarding corporal punishment, which is a deeply entrenched cultural practice.

As we pointed out well over a decade ago in this space, contrary to popular opinion the old adage “don’t spare the rod and spoil the child” is not to be found in the Bible. Rather it is a simplification of several Old Testament injunctions, among the more popular being Proverbs 13:24: “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

There is no doubt that in our overwhelmingly Christian culture this perception that the biblical God approves of spanking has underpinned the continuing practice of corporal punishment in some homes, even as it is now officially banned in schools.

Against that background, we note varied responses to last Friday’s indication by Justice Minister Mr Delroy Chuck that the Government intends to outlaw corporal punishment in homes.

The Association of Christian Communicators and Media described it as “a direct overreach by the Government” and “an effort to replace the role of parents in the home”.

However experts say that children who are subjected to routine beatings are more inclined than others to develop ultra-aggressive tendencies. It’s said that those children, on becoming adults, are more likely to physically abuse their children and spouses. Indeed, corporal punishment is fingered among the main root causes for violent behaviour among Jamaicans.

On Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister said it has not made a decision to ban corporal punishment in homes. It said that, while the Government remains committed to eliminating violence in the society, particularly against children, it respects and acknowledges the importance of engaging with a wide cross section of stakeholders, including families and churches, on issues concerning efforts to stem violence against children.

Engaging with stakeholders is good. But also, we believe, there should be focused advice/instruction for adults regarding alternatives to lashes, slaps, and other violent acts, when there is perceived need to punish children.

Lest we forget, Jamaica signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 and ratified it in 1991.

That convention requires the authorities to “take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s), or any other person who has the care of the child”.

Obviously, then, among the things we should all be doing as parents/guardians is to discard the rod.