Corporal Punishment Concerns

In a video making the rounds on social media, in what appears to be a woman scolding a toddler has resurfaced, reigniting the conversation regarding corporal punishment in schools. It is not clear at which preschool the video was recorded.

The government has already stated that it will take a zero-tolerance approach to corporal punishment in schools. However, corporal punishment is still lawful in the home under the common law. Vice President of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) Stewart Jacobs says discipline is part of the teaching and learning experience.

He believes that teachers, who are extensions of parents, should not use violent methods of discipline. He notes alternative methods need to be introduced, that are effective but not harmful. Jacobs suggests a monitoring system can be used in classrooms. He also notes that the NPTAJ as an institution condemns the use of corporal punishment.

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Reporter: Javine Mclean