Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar
In Pakistan, the specter of corporal punishment continues to haunt the very spaces meant to nurture and educate our future generations: schools and homes. As renowned child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi aptly emphasizes, every child deserves a childhood devoid of fear and violence. Yet, the reality in Pakistan paints a starkly different picture, where the use of physical punishment remains deeply ingrained in disciplinary practices, perpetuating a cycle of violence and trauma.
Educational institutions, touted as sanctuaries of learning, too often become breeding grounds for physical abuse disguised as discipline. The sight of a child cowering under the threat of a teacher’s raised hand has become normalized, ingrained in the fabric of our educational system. The justification? Tradition, authority, and a misguided belief in the efficacy of physical punishment as a deterrent to misbehavior.
However, the repercussions of corporal punishment extend far beyond the immediate sting of a slap or the humiliation of public reprimand. Research consistently highlights the detrimental effects of such practices on a child’s physical and mental well-being, stunting their emotional growth and fostering an environment of fear and mistrust. Moreover, the normalization of violence in educational settings sends a dangerous message, perpetuating a cycle of aggression and desensitization to violence among impressionable minds.
The issue of corporal punishment is not confined to the classroom alone but seeps into the very foundations of our homes. Within the confines of domestic spaces, the use of physical punishment as a means of discipline is often justified under the guise of parental authority and cultural norms. Yet, the line between discipline and abuse becomes blurred, leaving scars both visible and invisible on the psyche of the child.
It is imperative that we recognize corporal punishment for what it truly is: a violation of children’s rights and a hindrance to their holistic development. As a society, we must strive to create nurturing environments where children are valued, respected, and empowered to thrive without fear of retribution. This necessitates a paradigm shift in our approach to discipline, prioritizing positive reinforcement, dialogue, and non-violent conflict resolution strategies.
Legislative measures alone are insufficient to address the pervasive culture of corporal punishment. True change requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders – educators, parents, policymakers, and civil society – to foster a culture of empathy, respect, and non-violence. It demands investment in teacher training programs focused on alternative disciplinary approaches, raising awareness about children’s rights, and providing support services for both victims and perpetrators of corporal punishment.
As we strive towards a future where every child can realize their full potential, let us heed the words of Kailash Satyarthi and champion the cause of ending corporal punishment. Let us cultivate environments where love triumphs over fear, and compassion guides our interactions with the most vulnerable members of our society. Only then can we truly claim to be safeguarding the rights and dignity of our children, laying the foundation for a brighter, more humane future for generations to come.
The writer is Program Manager, Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), Islamabad.
