Recently, there’s been talk about bringing back corporal punishment in schools — in simple terms, allowing teachers to cane or physically discipline students again.
The idea, according to its supporters, is to tackle the growing number of disciplinary problems — from bullying and skipping classes to violent behaviour and, shockingly, even murder.
The proposal has split public opinion. Some believe schools have lost control and that stricter measures are needed to restore discipline and respect.
Others, including educators and child psychologists, argue that such punishment belongs to the past, not the future.
DAP’s Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng even suggested that the “rotan” — the cane — should be reintroduced immediately in all schools, both public and private, claiming it was effective during his school days when incidents like today’s were unheard of.
Personally, I disagree.
Yes, corporal punishment used to be a common practice in classrooms around the world.
But over the years, many countries have banned it after realising the damage it causes — not just physically, but emotionally.
Based on studies, it might stop a child’s bad behaviour for a moment, but it doesn’t teach them why it’s wrong. It creates fear, not understanding.
Fear may bring short-term obedience, but it rarely builds good character. Over time, it breeds resentment, shame, and sometimes rebellion.
Children who are punished harshly often learn not to be better — but to be sneakier, to avoid getting caught.
Real discipline begins at home.
Values like empathy, respect, honesty, and responsibility are not taught with a cane — they are nurtured by parents.
The home is where children first learn about right and wrong.
When parents lead with consistency and mutual respect, children naturally develop self-control.
But when that guidance is missing, schools end up handling the consequences — not the cause — of bad behaviour.
Expecting teachers to fix what should have been shaped at home is neither fair nor effective.
Teachers are educators, not enforcers. Their job is to open minds, not to create fear.
Their authority works best when parents are equally firm, supportive, and involved.
Discipline should never be about humiliation or pain. It should be about helping students understand responsibility, consequences, and empathy.
Schools should focus on guidance, counselling, and restorative practices — not punishment.
When a child misbehaves, it’s not a battle to win but a lesson to teach.
Sadly, what we often see today is the opposite. Many parents are quick to defend their children the moment they are disciplined at school.
Instead of finding out what really happened, they confront the teachers and accuse them of bullying or being too harsh.
Some even refuse to accept that their child could be at fault.
When that happens, two damaging messages are sent. To the children — that they can do no wrong, and that accountability doesn’t matter.
And to the teachers — that they should just teach and not bother about discipline, even when it’s part of shaping a child’s character.
If we truly want to raise a respectful, responsible generation, the lesson must begin at home — not with the cane, but with care, consistency, and communication.
The most disciplined children are those who feel valued and understood, not those who are afraid.
Respect given at home becomes respect shown in school.
When parents model calmness, patience, and consistency, teachers can reinforce that culture in class.
When both environments align — home and school — discipline becomes natural, not forced.
As a society, we must remember: a cane may silence a child, but only care and guidance can change them.
If we truly want to build a disciplined and compassionate generation, we must start by looking in the mirror.
Discipline is not about fear — it’s about guidance, consistency, and love.
Schools can educate, but only families can truly nurture. When parents and teachers walk hand in hand, children learn not just to obey rules, but to understand why those rules exist.
We also have to accept the fact that our world is changing fast, and our children are exposed to almost everything on the Internet — the good, the bad, and the confusing.
That’s why parents need to be more mindful of what their children are doing, watching, and learning online.
Guidance today is not just about what happens at home or in school — it’s also about what happens on their screens.
Discipline begins not with punishment, but with presence. The hand that guides at home will always shape the heart that grows in school.
The hand that guides at home is mightier than the cane in school.
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DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
