Dear Editor,
There are a plethora of reasons for banning the cane ranging from the moral to the psychological. 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 sex. 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), and then I would wend my way to what was my safe haven and be whipped again, without any proffered parental explanation. Please do not assume that I am in accord with corporal punishment as an acceptable way to relate to 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 comes 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, 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 punishment. 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 public who is desirous of getting involved in creating safer schools? Lest it be forgotten, schools reflect the norms of communities, so that schools that still practise 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 to help bring about some understanding as to the factors influencing children’s behaviour.
Based on the current 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 them by using alternatives to corporal punishment. Just as children have basic physical needs, they also have emotional and psychological needs. In order for them to develop to their full potential these emotional and psychological needs must be met. Once teachers understand children’s behaviour in this way, 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 disciplinary 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 that we should ban the cane, and we can if we have a plan. So let’s start and everyone must play their part. This 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.
Yours faithfully,
Yvonne Sam
