Teacher-Student Abuse: Corporal Punishment in Schools on the Rise
The number of cases involving teachers assaulting learners in schools has been on the rise, which has raised concerns among various stakeholders. This is despite the fact that the government banned corporal punishment in schools in 2001 and enacted the Children’s Act in the same year, which grants children protection from all forms of abuse.
It is perplexing why child abuse continues to increase despite the existence of clear laws on child protection.
Anglican Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has called for the employment of more counselors in schools by both teachers and parents in order to prevent the kind of abuse that is being inflicted on children. He highlighted that while the Bible may say “spare the rod and spoil the child,” corporal punishment must be condemned.
‘Using force to correct mistakes, even if it is done by a parent, is unacceptable. He emphasized that discipline should start with parenting even before the child is handed over to the teacher. Parents need to dedicate time to their children in order to correct their mistakes and guide them towards their goals in life, and failure to do so may result in children succumbing to peer pressure.
Archbishop Sapit also pointed out that some of the indiscipline witnessed in schools today could be attributed to parents leaving their children in the care of house helps, allowing unrestricted access to television without parental guidance, or sending children to boarding schools at a young age.
In some cases, teachers have resorted to using excessive force in their attempts to “correct” learners, which has led to them being interdicted or even arrested. For example, a recent incident occurred at Kabolecho Secondary School in Transmara East Sub-county, where a Form Three student was allegedly hit with a high-heeled shoe by a teacher for speaking in vernacular.
Two female teachers and one male teacher allegedly joined in by kicking and beating the student, resulting in injuries. The police are investigating the case, but similar cases of teachers caning learners have been reported in other parts of the country as well.
In Nyamira, for instance, an incident occurred where a primary school teacher reportedly whipped a Grade Four pupil, who was later found to have sustained serious injuries on his buttocks. The school head and boarding master were arrested, while the suspected teacher remains at large.
In another case in the same county, a Grade Seven pupil at Bitundugusu Primary School allegedly had his scrotum swollen and had to undergo surgery to remove one of his testicles after being beaten by the head teacher and a math teacher. The pupil’s mother filed an assault report with the police, but she was chased away from the school when she went to inquire about the incident.
In October 2022, a viral video clip showed a young student with his hands and legs tied up while being caned by teachers and local administrators in turns, as other learners looked on. The student had reportedly brought a machete to school and used it to threaten other pupils and teachers, prompting the school to involve local authorities.
In the video, a woman believed to be the student’s mother was heard saying that she had warned him against such behavior. Some argue that teachers find it difficult to restrain themselves when dealing with unruly children and making disciplinary decisions.
There are differing opinions on the use of corporal punishment in schools. While caning was banned in 2001, some argue that it is still being administered in schools across the country, albeit illegally. Some stakeholders even argue that corporal punishment could be a lasting solution to address indiscipline in learning institutions.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha championed the reintroduction of caning in schools, arguing that it may aid in reducing criminal activities. Prof Magoha’s suggestion to bring back the cane had split stakeholders, with some supporting the idea while others opposing it.
Proponents of corporal punishment argue that it can be an effective means of disciplining unruly students and preventing them from engaging in criminal activities. They argue that banning corporal punishment has resulted in a lack of effective discipline in schools, leading to an increase in indiscipline and misconduct among learners.
They believe that the use of physical force, when administered in moderation and with proper guidelines, can deter students from engaging in undesirable behavior. On the other hand, opponents of corporal punishment argue that it is a form of child abuse and violates the rights of children to protection from all forms of abuse, as enshrined in the Children’s Act of 2001.
They argue that corporal punishment can have negative psychological and emotional effects on learners, leading to trauma, low self-esteem, and even long-term behavioral problems. They advocate for alternative disciplinary methods that focus on positive reinforcement, such as counseling, mentoring, and behavior modification programs.
Mary Kemunto, a retired teacher, acknowledges that caning was banned from schools, but argues that some teachers still administer it in moderation. She believes that modern students are exposed to societal evils and that a conversation is needed on how to effectively deal with new forms of indiscipline in schools.
She suggests that a balance needs to be struck between disciplining students and protecting their rights. Elijah Makori, a former Education Officer, acknowledges that teachers find it difficult to restrain themselves when dealing with unruly children. He believes that teachers have been left with limited decision-making power and that a closer look needs to be taken at the decisions being made.
He acknowledges that teachers are often pushed to make hard decisions when it comes to disciplining students. Some stakeholders argue that the root causes of indiscipline in schools need to be addressed holistically.
These cases highlight the ongoing problem of teacher-student abuse in schools despite clear laws and policies prohibiting corporal punishment. The fact that some teachers are still resorting to physical force to discipline students indicates that there may be a lack of awareness, understanding, or implementation of the laws and policies related to child protection.
It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current disciplinary measures in schools and the need for alternative approaches that prioritize the well-being and rights of learners.
Teacher-Student Abuse: Corporal Punishment in Schools on the Rise