Ban the cane and you will see the gain

Nov 15, 2015 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Permit me to add my two bits to the latest brouhaha regarding the banning of corporal punishment in schools. There has been a plethora of reasons for banning the cane ranging from the morally sublime to the psychologically ridiculous. Incidentally, although a representative of the fairer sex, I was not spared administration of the cane by my father (head of the household), who administered punishment with no regard for age or sexual presentation.  In fond retrospect, I am now of the belief that my father had an ongoing account with Chasbert’s bookstore as our home was never out of canes. There were times or days when I was whipped in school (I.T Henry of St. Ambrose School fame), then wend my way to what was my safe haven and be whipped again, without any proffered parental explanation). Please do not assume the belief that I am in accord with corporal punishment as an acceptable way to relate with children, or have come to think of it as necessary because people who loved us and cared about us used it. Now back to the topic- times have certainly changed, especially the world around us and with this change come new knowledge. We cannot overlook the evidence that we need new and formidable strategies to deal with the current generation. If we fail to prepare properly, we may simply be banning the cane and reaping no gain.
It can never be overstated that one of the most powerful services for development is education.  Success as a nation, from individual happiness, collective growth in a social and economic world, as well as active participation in development depends on education.  In the midst of all the expressed concerns, I have failed to see any clear cut ready-to-be instituted alternative to corporal education. Where is the input from the secondary stakeholders such as school committees, parents, public officials who implement educational policies, students and any member of the lay public who are desirous of getting involved in creating safer schools? Lest it be forgotten, schools reflect the norms of communities, so that schools that still practice corporal punishment speak not only for themselves but also by association and extension the community.
While the storm behind banning the cane rages in the teacup, we need to invite the psychologist to the table. This will help to bring about some understanding in relation to the factors influencing the behaviour of children. Personally, based on current present day situation in Guyana, as a community we are still lacking even the basic tools for setting about understanding, let alone remedying this situation. It is imperative that we understand the motivating factor(s) underpinning children’s behaviour, if we intend to guide children by using alternatives to corporal punishment. In like manner that children have basic physical needs, they also have emotional and psychological needs. In order for children to develop to their full potential these emotional and psychological needs must be met. Once teachers understand children’s’ behaviours in this way, as a consequence they will find it easier to determine non-violent responses that will benefit everyone.
Caneless can be painless all around, or better put; No Cane-Plenty Gain. While a positive discipline approach rejects the use of violence as a teaching tool, it also depends on the teacher’s role as mentor and guide, and the provision of positive reinforcement for good choices as well as consequences for poor choices.  It is all about long term investment in a child’s development, rather than as has been done grasping for immediate compliance.  The health of the nation will ultimately be judged by the way the children are both treated and educated, and if we get that right we can make a substantial contribution to everyone’s future. So it is plain  we ban the cane,  if we have a plan. So let’s start and everyone must play their part.   This new manner of approach involves establishing a new and different kind of teacher-pupil/student relationship, as well as new methods for engaging and supporting them over the long-term.
So let’s go— stop starting at the top. The government has the responsibility to develop policy guidelines that would help teachers create safer schools. Teacher training programs geared towards teaching methods and alternative measures that promote non-corporal methods of reinforcement.  Initiation and creation of a regular forum for teachers and students through which they can share their ideas and experiences geared towards creating a safer school, such as a school wide essay competitions, picture drawing competition or simple suggestion boxes, or any other method through which ideas can be shared. These activities are part of a positive discipline approach, because they encourage students to identify themselves as key stakeholders in their school and, as a result, feel more accountable for their behaviour. Let us not forget the parents -vital stakeholders and key players.
As custodians of children’s hopes and aspirations, we must accept the responsibility for creating an environment that will help children thrive, and there should not be an enigma surrounding why our schools exist.  What kind of individuals do we want to graduate from our school, and from what kind of educational environment? Away with the cane! Let’s work towards the gain.
Yvonne Sam.

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