THE EDITOR, Sir:

While I watched 'Smile Jamaica' on Television Jamaica Wednesday morning, I listened carefully to the parent who called about removing her child from Kensington Primary, Portmore, St Catherine, because the teacher had slapped her child for her grades in school.

I totally agree with corporal punishment in schools for a number of reasons, as long as it doesn't reach the point of abuse. For any society to be civilised, there has to be an element of fear. Because we have removed the fear factor, students no longer respect teachers, and the results have become disastrous.

We now have some of the most undisciplined students in the universe. Most students in school don't listen to, or respect, their teachers. Check most of the high schools in the inner cities and you will get a perfect example.

In addition, because criminals no longer fear our toothless justice system, crime has skyrocketed to unbearable levels. The greatest contributors to this are criminals who were never disciplined at school.

While there are some drawbacks to flogging, for the most part, it has served this society well, because our children were not nearly as undisciplined as they are now. I have children, and they will tell you that I will flog them.

Today, I'm proud to say that even my eldest child, who is now 20 years old, is extremely mannerable and respectful. My two 'babies', who are eight and six years old, are following in the same footsteps. Why? Because they know that stepping out of line will result in flogging.

Finally, check the history of the persons who have become criminals over the last 20 years. These are mainly persons who had no fear of teachers or parents and were allowed to do as they pleased. Flogging is the element that was used to instil discipline in children, hence a more civil society. God, help us!

MARCUS BLACKSTOCK

blackstockmarcus@yahoo.com