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Using Effective and Positive Discipline Practices for Children in Schools and Homes -Advice; Experiences.
Open till 18 January 2010
Dear members,
By definition, corporal punishment involves inflicting physical pain, often on children in the form of smacking or canning them. In severe cases, children can be left with physical or mental handicaps.
Corporal punishment has been prevalent in Bhutan; and in recent years the use of corporal punishment has developed into a major debate among teachers, parents, students, and the community at large. Its use has now been banned in Bhutan schools due the detrimental physical and psychological effects this type of punishment has on the wellbeing of children.
However, at this stage there is no consensus among the Bhutanese on completely banning corporal punishment. This disagreement stems from the clash between traditional and modern values. Respect for teachers, parents and the elderly have been deeply embedded into Bhutanese society. On the other hand, contemporary changes such as empowering children and the child rights approach has opened up children and made them more inquisitive. It is not a dilemma on whether to exercise corporal punishment or not; but how parents can to implement effective alternatives to discipline and to provide guidance to their child.
For instance, some schools have started exercising discipline by forming disciplinary committees, and using other forms of punishments like after-school social work, impositions, counseling, etc. However, these strategies do not seem to be bringing out positive change to the students behaviour since students see them as morally depressing or take the punishments very lightly.
In light of the above, I am requesting members to offer their views, provide ideas, and share their experiences on:
• What are ways to bridge the gap between traditional and modern views on corporal punishment that respect both perspectives?
• What are other effective and efficient modes of discipline and guidance for children that are appropriate and applicable in rural and urban settings and in schools and homes?
• Ideas on ways to inculcate a sense of responsibility and accountability among children, along with an understanding of their individual rights
• Ideas on other effective classroom management skills/positive discipline techniques for teachers
We would also be interested in hearing about best practices and lessons learnt from other countries in the region, which have been able to introduce positive disciplining methods in schools and homes.
I hope this discussion will lead to a better understanding of the issue amongst all (parents, teachers, students, society) and a positive change in the way we discipline our children.
Your invaluable insights will assist in working among teachers and with parents and other stakeholders to encourage positive discipline for children in schools and homes.
Regards,
Reetu Rai
Zilnon Namgyaling Primary School
Thimphu
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