Is Physical Punishment Beneficial In Teaching Children?

The issue of 'Physical Punishment' in teaching is one that has generated immerse and

controversial debates. As the name implies, 'Physical Punishment' is the act of inflicting

physical pain in a child as a result of wrong doing. With this in mind, the benefits of physical

punishment outweigh the cost.

To start, Physical punishment serves as a deterrent to other children. When a child sees that

others are being punished, physically, for wrong doing, they will be afraid to act likewise.

Nobody wants to get hurt and seeing the consequences of a particular action will make the

person exercise some restraints. For example, if Alice has seen that when Julie put her hands

in the fire, she got burned, she will most likely not do the same. Hence, fear of the

repercussions will certainly make others to be serious in the learning process.

Secondly, 'Physical Punishment' makes very recalcitrant and stubborn children submit to

authority. In the classroom environment, children are of different backgrounds. There

religious, political, cultural, and socio-economic experiences are quite different. Some are

stubborn; some are obedient. Melting out physical punishment to those stubborn ones will

mould their character. Biblically, it is stated: You spare the rods, you spoil the child. Physical

punishment should not be taken as wickedness, it's just a reward for wrong doing and most

often, it is the most effective method. So, consistent reminding the child, through Physical

punishment, that there are consequences of misbehaving will shape the child to be more

obedient, respectful and follow instructions.

Critics will argue that it is a form of child abuse. However, the one done without injuring the

health of the child is good. According to Newton's third Law of Motion, “For every action
there is an equal and opposite reaction". So making Children pay the price of their actions

will teach them an invaluable lesson in life: to be cautious and always do the right thing.

Lastly, it saves time than other forms of punishment. The time you take to cajole or

repetitively counseling a child for wrong doing can be saved by administering physical

punishment. According to research conducted by the National Civic Institute, children

response appropriately and quickly to corrections when it is done through Physical

punishment. In the classroom, understanding that certain actions/or behaviours are not

tolerated, and if they happen you have to endure its consequences will prevent it from

occuring.

In conclusion, the benefits of administering mild physical punishment always outweigh the

cost. Through Physical punishment, other children will be afraid to do the punishable offense,

subject to authorities, and it will save time.