The Editor, Sir:

WITH reference to the letter published on Wednesday, April 16, titled 'No To Corporal Punishment' I share the same view, but in our society it has another side.

The Government's decision to remove corporal punishment from schools was a decision that had to be made; but there are long-term effects which can produce another dilemma.

Important role

To discipline a child is one of the most important roles in a society and, perhaps, one of the most difficult.

Healthy discipline is part of a comforting family environment. Effective discipline helps your child grow up to be well-adjusted. It doesn't just force them to obey.

Discipline protects our children from danger, helps them to learn self-control and self-discipline, provides and develops a sense of responsibility and instils proper values.

Corporal punishment was indeed one of the most effective ways of ensuring that discipline was maintained. The government had to remove this type of disciplinary enforcer, with society becoming more modernised and the rights of an individual, whether an adult or a child, now greatly acknowledged.

Finding replacement

The question arises: With what should we replace corporal punishment in schools?

We have failed to replace it with something more effective and now we reap the rewards of this action. I say no to corporal punishment but yes to discipline. So, what do we do now?

I am, etc.,

LERON MATTISON

leronmattison@yahoo.com