Group cautions teachers, parents on discipline methods

A non-governmental organisation, Supportive Discipline Group (SDG), has called on teachers and parents to adopt a better approach to discipline their wards.

Speaking at the first anniversary of the organisation, the convener, Mr. Akin Benjamin explained that the group was established to create a paradigm shift  from abusive parenting and teaching methods while creating awareness of  proven alternative discipline strategies that parents, teachers and everyone involved in child care can use to raise responsible, global and godly citizens.

The event themed: “Making a case for positive discipline approaches: No excuse for child abuse,” was held at Pottersland School, Lekki, and drew teachers and parents from different schools across the country.

SDG is a group that has zero tolerance for indiscipline but only advocate proven alternatives to all forms of physical punishment.
Benjamin added: “Raising children that will be bold without being brash, assertive without being rude, proud without being arrogant and confident because they have not been cowed.

Sharing from his 25 years experience in the classroom, he said parents and teachers should first start with having a heart that is willing to understand the reason behind a child’s misbehaviour. “Both teachers and parents should maintain zero tolerance for indiscipline but don’t engage in abusive discipline methods. Instead, set up consequences and reward jars, a token system that works, withdraw privileges, increase safe chores as a consequence and use reward outings.

A legal practitioner, Folake Bejide in her keynote speech on ‘Legal issues relating to corporal punishment in Nigeria’ explained section 295 (4) of the Criminal Code 2004 that regulates the use of physical punishment by teachers. Bejide emphasised that the law stipulated only the use of corporal punishment for children old enough to understand why they are being punished. She advised parents and teachers to adopt better alternatives.

Another speaker, Priscilla Benjamin-Olaoye who spoke on the ‘Psychological impact of negative discipline’ said children are like seeds in the hands of parents and teachers, hence should be given the right nurture and environment to grow as successful and responsible adults.