Dear editor,

Looking back to our elementary school years, we shared some classroom anecdotes, stories of embarrassment, punishment and the occasional eraser-throwing to interested young ones.

At some point, we experienced getting slapped in the wrist, hit with an eraser in the face, squatted under the scorching sun and for some, kneeling with arms spread and topped with books as a form of discipline inside the classroom.

In those days, we didn’t think it was too much. The scars we carried were just reminders from our teachers as they instilled the values of respect and discipline in us — in some ways a form of education.

This came to mind as the recent Supreme Court (SC) decision outlawing corporal punishment in all schools, public or private, sparked a national conversation about discipline and child welfare.

While some celebrated this move as a long-overdue protection for children, others expressed concern about the potential for a decline in classroom order.

For others, the High Court’s decision is a landmark victory for children’s rights and paves the way for a more humane and effective approach to discipline in Philippine schools.

For decades, corporal punishment — spanking, paddling, and other physical forms of discipline — were a normal practice in Philippine classrooms. Proponents argued it instilled respect for authority and deterred misbehavior.

However, a growing body of research demonstrated the harmful effects of corporal punishment on children’s physical and mental well-being — which could lead to increased aggression, anxiety, depression and even self-harm.

The SC’s decision acknowledged this scientific evidence and prioritizes the safety and well-being of children.

Physical punishment can inflict pain and humiliation, violating children’s fundamental right to be free from violence and cruel treatment.

This decision sends a clear message that violence has no place in education.

Opponents of the ban expressed concern about maintaining discipline without corporal punishment. However, this fear is unfounded, as many effective, non-violent approaches to discipline exist.

These include positive reinforcement, a clear communication of expectations, restorative justice practices, and social-emotional learning programs.

Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior, creating a more encouraging learning environment. Clear communication of expectations ensures students understand the rules and consequences of their actions.

Meantime, restorative justice practices involve students taking responsibility for their actions and repairing any harm caused. Social-emotional learning programs equip students with the skills to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Implementing these alternative approaches requires a shift in mindset and training for teachers, as schools must invest in professional development programs that equip educators with the skills and knowledge to manage classrooms effectively without resorting to physical punishment.

Also, the Department of Education has a crucial role to play in supporting this transition and the agency can develop and disseminate clear guidelines on non-violent discipline practices and provide training programs for teachers and school administrators.

While the transition away from corporal punishment will not be easy, the potential benefits for the children are immense. By creating a safe and supportive learning environment, we can foster a generation of well-adjusted, responsible citizens.

Noelle Borja

laine.bor2000@gmail.com