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Fortunate Gora Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has warned teachers against corporal punishment as it physically and psychologically harms pupils.

In a speech read on his behalf by deputy director in his office Mr Douglas Chiwiro, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Webster Shamu said corporal punishment had a detrimental effect on children. He said this while speaking at the Childline 20th Anniversary Dinner held in Chinhoyi recently.

“Corporal punishment in schools is illegal. Teachers of today are now different from those of the past. They are now crossing boundaries to the extent that the punishment results in a serious form of abuse and consequently, we witness a high number of school drop outs every year emanating from such reasons,” he said.

“Do not forget that the future of our nation is in the hands of these children, so be careful with the way you deal with their emotions.” In interviews conducted by The Herald yesterday, some parents complained about corporal punishment, saying it led to fear. There are children whose performance is greatly affected because of how their teachers disciplined them,” said Mrs Roseline Maregwa.

“Some students hesitate to go to school when they have failed a Friday test fearing that on Monday they will receive severe punishments.” She said some teachers were ruthless. Teachers said some children were becoming uncontrollable because of lack of discipline.

“We may not beat up these children, but parents should know that this disadvantages them. Some children are wild and need disciplining while others are lazy. Disciplinary methods should be used to push them to perform and behave,” said one teacher.

The teacher said some teachers were letting children behave badly as corporal punishment was now illegal. Some teachers turn to alternative forms of punishment like depriving children food, forcing them to stand for a long period of time or to seat in awkward positions. Corporal punishment breaches provisions of Section 53 of the Constitution, which stipulates that no person may be subjected to physical or psychological torture or to cruel inhuman or degrading their rights.