Over the past several weeks, we have looked at what we can do to help build an environment where we no longer need to use corporal punishment. The advice from previous articles are summarized below. This week, we offer concrete actions that we can each take to help create a build a positive, violence-free society.
Taking responsibility for how adults
contribute to children’s behaviour
Recognise that the responsibility for children’s behaviour rests with adults, not children. The most important thing we can do as an alternative to hitting children is to look at why we react to children’s misbehaviour the way we do and try to adjust our own behaviour. We must also try to understand why our children or students behave as they do and stop misbehaviour before it starts.
Understanding the difference between
discipline and punishment
The literal meaning of punishment is “to cause to undergo pain”.
Punishment makes children angry. It makes it more likely that the child will be violent both in childhood and adulthood. This means greater problems for teachers, caregivers, and other children.
Discipline is concerned with teaching children what to do as an alternative to misbehaving. The ultimate goal of discipline is for children to understand and take responsibility for their own behaviour and choices In other words, they learn positive ways of thinking and behaving that can last a lifetime.
Helping children help themselves
We often believe that children have to be told what to do. But children can learn to think and speak for themselves at very young ages. It is important therefore to teach children conflict resolution skills. This will make it easier to manage your family or classroom and help children resolve conflicts more effectively.
Understanding children’s stages of
development
Understanding children’s stages of development can be helpful in avoiding confrontations that result in the need for punishment.
What actions can I take?
You can read more about corporal punishment to help yourself understand how to begin changing your own outlook and behaviour.
UNICEF has many excellent resources including a document published by UNESCO called “Positive Discipline in the Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Classroom: Embrac-ing Diversity: Toolkit for Creating Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Environments Specialized Booklet 1 A Guide for Teachers and Teacher Educators”. Anyone can contact UNICEF at 226-7083 and ask for more information. Or go on line to www.endcorporalpunishment.com.
2 . Organizations working to end corporal punishment would welcome calls from the public. You can call and ask for information or volunteer to help. Active organizations include: Every Child Guyana 231-7174 or 227-2023, Help and Shelter at 225-4731 or 227-3454 and Red Thread 227-7010.
3.You can write to political parties and/or Members of Parliament asking them to publicly support organizations, individuals and activities that seek to end corporal punishment. All Members of Parliament can be reached by writing to the Parliament Office, Parliament Buildings, Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown.
4. Write letters to the newspapers to educate others, highlight success stories and ask for support on this issue
