Get Guardian on GoogleThe Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has urged school heads, principals and administrators to abandon corporal punishment and adopt child-friendly disciplinary measures to protect pupils and create safer learning environments.
The agency made the call during an engagement with school administrators in Education District IV, held at the Lagos City Senior School Hall, Sabo-Yaba.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed the need to protect children from all forms of violence, including corporal punishment in schools.
She said discipline should not come at the expense of children’s safety and dignity, urging school administrators to embrace positive approaches that correct misconduct, provide guidance and encourage pupils to become responsible individuals.
A presentation facilitated by the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation examined the impact of banning corporal punishment on discipline in public schools and highlighted alternative ways of managing pupils’ behaviour.
A key finding from the research showed a significant gap between teachers’ perceptions of their disciplinary authority and students’ experiences.
While some teachers and school leaders expressed concern that the restriction of corporal punishment had weakened their authority, 92.7 per cent of the students surveyed affirmed that teachers still had sufficient authority to maintain discipline.
It also identified parental engagement, counselling, proper documentation of incidents and institutional support as important tools for maintaining discipline in schools.
Another session, facilitated by Mrs Amelia Kentebe, focused on alternative disciplinary measures, introducing participants to practical and positive approaches to managing children’s behaviour without resorting to physical punishment.
The research emphasised that effective teacher authority should not depend on physical punishment but on the ability to establish and enforce reasonable rules, correct inappropriate behaviour and apply appropriate consequences.
Another session, facilitated by Kentebe, focused on alternative disciplinary measures, introducing participants to practical and positive approaches to managing children’s behaviour without resorting to physical punishment.
The engagement forms part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote the implementation of the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and the state-wide circular prohibiting the use of canes in schools.
The DSVA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection, promoting positive disciplinary practices and ensuring safer learning environments across the state.
