Parents back teachers’ use of the cane

 



Some British parents believed corporal punishment was an “effective method of control” when they were at school and there had been a decline in discipline since the cane was banned.

Corporal punishment, including the use of the cane, slipper and ruler, was abolished in state schools in 1987 and 1998 in the fee-paying sector.

The Daily Telegraph, a right-leaning traditionalist newspaper, reported in 2009, “Margaret Morrissey, from the campaign group Parents Outloud, said: ‘When it was used as a threat, rather than being used to actually hit a child, corporal punishment was often an effective deterrent. It was certainly abused in some schools and it could become something of a badge of honour for those that were hit, but the threat could be effective.

“‘I am just not convinced that in the present climate there is a possibility it can come back. Can you imagine the number of compensation claims it would lead to?

“‘I really do believe that the problem for the deteriorating behaviour is the political correctness of the last 10 years that has told children to stand up and complain the moment someone tries to tell them off.’”

In the study, parents also blamed the fact that “children and young people [were] becoming more vocal and demanding and at the same time less afraid of authority”.

The UK Department for Children, Schools and Families report came months after a fifth in a survey of 6,000 teachers called for the cane to be reintroduced to restore order in the classroom.

The Telegraph reported one supply teacher told researchers: “Children’s behaviour is now absolutely outrageous in the majority of schools. I am a supply teacher, so I see very many schools and there are no sanctions. There are too many anger management people and their ilk who give children the idea that it is their right to flounce out of lessons for time out because they have problems with their temper. They should be caned instead.”

But John Dunford, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “Thankfully, corporal punishment is no longer on the agenda, except in the most uncivilised countries. I am sure that this barbaric punishment has disappeared forever.”

Picture credit: Sting Pictures

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