Past Principal Points
Corporal
Punishment
I was rather surprised and amused to find a
rather large picture of me on the front page of the Calgary Sun on Saturday. I
couldn’t believe that they considered the issue or our part in it that
significant—must have been a slow news day! In any event, it is always dicey
dealing with the media; it is easy to say too much or say too little and either
error can create trouble. On the theory that any publicity is useful, I took a
calculated risk, but I’m not sure if it will end up being positive or negative.
It certainly isn’t the issue I want to be “infamous” for! J
In any event, where does the recent Supreme Court
decision leave us? The Herald has emphasized how parents rights have been
upheld because section 43 of the criminal code (that allows for reasonable
physical force from parents and teachers) was reaffirmed. However, the court
also decided to define certain elements of “reasonable” and has now declared
that all corporal punishment of children under two or over twelve is
“unreasonable” as is any use of an implement such as a wooden spoon, etc. They
also said that it was “unreasonable” for teachers (and I assume this includes
principals) to exercise corporal punishment on a parent’s behalf. In light of
that, all Koinonia schools have suspended the use of corporal punishment at
this time.
While I respect the right of the court to
interpret the law as it sees fit, I disagree with their conclusions in numerous
ways:
- I
think hands should be made for loving, and so we have always used a
neutral object such as a wooden spoon. Also, a spank with an open hand is
usually ineffective for a child over three or four.
- Using
a spoon or paddle also encourages providing some time out and cooling off
for child and parent. We always sent our children to their rooms, took
time to think about the appropriate action, and then go the spoon.
Children should not be spanked in anger but in love.
- Simply
because a child is under the age of two and cannot understand all the
reasoning behind the punishment, does not invalidate its effectiveness. I
don’t need to explain to an 18 month old toddler why touching the electrical
socket is wrong; I just want him to stop. His reasoning ability is
irrelevant.
- The
use of the strap in the school, though rather infrequent, is (by students’
own admission to me) a real deterrent. Just knowing that the possibility
is there helps to restrain bad behavior and clearly indicates to all the
seriousness of the offense.
- The
evidence in Sweden where spanking was outlawed in
1979 is not encouraging. Between 1979 and 1995 child abuse is up 400% and
violence from teens is up 600%. This is the first generation raised
without this form of solid discipline.
- The
idea that violence breeds violence is simply not true. Otherwise, every
time we lock up a criminal, we would create a kidnapper. I agree that
abuse breeds abuse, but I believe that discipline breeds discipline. The
outcome has to do with the reasonableness and legitimacy of the
punishment. If people (adults and children) perceive that the punishment
is fair, reasonable, and carried out by a legitimate authority, then it is
accepted.
The Bible (Prov. 29:15) says, “The rod and reproof bring wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings his mother shame.” The court’s decision has
undermined both parents’ and teachers’ ability to properly discipline children.
I predict that the end result will be increased child abuse in the home as
parents grow increasingly frustrated with increasingly disobedient children,
and I predict increased suspensions from the school (as has happened in other
districts that have banned corporal punishment) as it becomes increasingly
difficult to require a change in behavior. Children are quick to learn that the
authority figures in their lives can no longer require obedience. “You can’t
make me” becomes their all-too-true rally cry. The school will weather this,
but I do fear greatly for our homes.
Brian
Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School
Copyright © 2003/2004 Airdrie Koinonia Christian
School Last modified: February, 2004