DOES HARSH DISCIPLINE WORK? BY PISEK

With a vigorous throw of the arm, the stiff cane swiftly slashed the silent air. As the rattan touched the skin, crushing pain rushed through the boy’s body followed by an agonizing scream. The cane rose again and repeated itself, with each hit scarring the bare skin with blood. Such example of corporal punishment leads us to question whether it is appropriate to implement harsh retribution on students.

Many argue that enforcing harsh punishments help promote discipline. Accordingly, retribution in schools make students fear the consequences of their actions, thus, leading to them to be disciplined. In addition, these benefits are not only present in schools but also when students interact with other societies there will still exist the value of discipline, hence, promoting their virtuous conduct. For instance, a well-known school in Thailand “Yo-Tin” enforces such regulations and naturally students from the school excel in competition with others due to their self-discipline. Therefore, it proves that retribution is an effective way of building a firm foundation in discipline.

Another benefit of discipline is that it prepares the student for the real world. As we know, the world is a terrifying place where mistakes are rarely allowed and the penalties exceed even the worst punishment in schools. Therefore, retribution helps build a sense of responsibility and awareness in the students. Hence, bracing them to face life outside the school gates. However, this action can also produce contrary results. Through the act of retribution, students are harmed both physically and mentally.  Caning or Lashing which are found commonly in schools can inflict severe damages to the students’ body to the extent of mental trauma. Indeed, mental images of cruel punishments can result in poorer performances due to the disturbance of the students’ mind. As an illustration, it was reporter that after several caning punishments, 16-year-old Nuttawut Sakdamin, was thrown into a state of shock due to severe injuries covering is body. Certainly, these cruel act enforced on students should be carefully considered.

In conclusion, harsh punishments contribute much benefit to students. On the other hand, it also rings problems that must be addressed. Schools should not enforce punishments that will injure students in any way. Instead, schools should asses individually the discipline issues of students and attempt to rehabilitate them.