Dr. Seema Girija Lal

Articles

debate over corporal punishment in schools.

October 31, 2017

I appreciate the thoughtful analysis of the newspaper article discussing the debate over corporal punishment in schools. It's indeed a complex issue with differing opinions.    In the quote mentioned in the image, I emphasize the importance of discipline and the need for students to understand the immediate consequences of their actions. We can achieve this without resorting to physical punishment. Children should learn to cope with criticism and understand that life isn't always a bed of roses, especially as they transition into adulthood.   Dr. Phillip John's viewpoint about maintaining firmness with students aligns with the idea of consistent discipline, which is essential for a productive learning environment. I also appreciate his straightforward approach to parenting and discipline, which is often needed in today's world.   It's crucial to equip our children emotionally and socially to handle criticism, humiliation, and failure, just as we prepare them with technology and gadgets. Punishment, in the sense of a negative consequence for behavior, is a part of life, but it should be administered thoughtfully and without causing harm.    Positive reinforcement, time-outs, and other non-violent discipline methods are more effective in teaching children appropriate behavior and helping them become responsible adults. Thank you, Vikram Vinod and TOI, for the in-depth conversation on this important topic.