Recently, the video of a parent in Lusaka emerged, showing him beating his own son for getting poor school results.

He was captured slapping his son countlessly, while a woman in the background, believed to be his wife, begged for the boy to be spared. Reports suggest the man was summoned by the Police over the incident.

The video went viral and naturally, stirred debate. Some were enraged, and others felt it was a much needed approach if kids are to ‘stay on the right path’. 

We are familiar with the concept of the cane and other authoritarian methods of discipline. However, measures have tipped towards "softer” and more positive academic-parenting approaches.

Disciplinary measures such as beating, locking the child up in a room, or sending them to bed hungry, raise concerns. However, to some parents, mentors and educators, this is a ‘bad mentality’ because it does not necessarily guarantee good results; or that the child will never do the same again.

So, corporal punishment or disciplining a child in an authoritative but loving way; which method is the better teacher?

Corporal punishment is defined as a discipline method in which a supervising adult deliberately inflicts pain upon a child in response to a child’s unacceptable behaviour and/or inappropriate language. The immediate aims of such punishment are usually to halt the offense, prevent its recurrence and set an example for others.

Innocent Hakizimana, the manager of students’ affairs at Ecole des Sciences Byimana, supports corporal punishment for some faults. "The cane (and other corporal punishments) should be reserved for certain "crimes”, such as rebellion or serious offences like repeated lying, hitting, or stealing,” he says, adding that there are restrictions to that.

"However, if you do choose to use it, bear in mind that its efficacy reduces with age; studies show that corporal punishment loses its effectiveness after the age of 10. Here, you need to use more consultation approaches, unlike hitting students,” he says.

When combined with a clear explanation of the reason, and loving restoration afterwards like a hug, parents say, caning can still be an effective tool for some them to teach obedience and respect for authority for youngsters.

"When I talk about caning, it is not a lifestyle. Parents also need to be mindful that not every crime requires maximum punishment. Whenever my child helps with the dishes, he’ll likely get extra hugs at bedtime, if he mops the house, I will provide some candy. I really appreciate what they do right,” says Mariam Mukamukiza, a parent of four, recounting that though she punishes them, she also appreciates their help.

Shalom Azabe, a general counsellor, says that caning can be impactful for some students and not others. "I think the answer depends on which camp you’re in, as well as the temperament of your child. Some children learn better the soft way, and do not generally require any harsh disciplinary action at all,” he says, stipulating that there is no one-size-fits-all method, but, he adds, "We need to remember that discipline and love are both sides of the same coin”.

The heart of discipline is love

Nirere Shanel, an actress, singer and songwriter, responds negatively to this opinion, claiming she would risk her life instead of seeing her child being caned.

"If anyone dares to touch my child we can wrestle and the police will be the ones to stop me”, she once tweeted.

Basing on some opinions, some students may learn quickly to avoid the pain; for others, it may not result in progress, but instead stir up anger and cruelty in the child, which is the opposite of what educators want to achieve.

Discussions between teachers and students as an amicable way to solve conflict at school, are the views of some students. 

Peace Ingabire, a medical student at the University of Global Health Equity, shares this view.

"Teachers should discuss with students and advise them to write apology letters where necessary. They should explain what they did wrong and the consequences of their actions, both short and long term,” she says.

Azabe says the focus should be on correcting behaviour, but what is actually happening in effective discipline is we should aim at helping the child develop an inner conscience.

Harsh, authoritarian methods should give a way to softer, more up-to-date tactics like withdrawal of privileges. For example, if Junior stayed up late at night, he should be punished by submitting his phone early the next day.

Is there a way to discipline with love and reason instead of anger? "This is a very hard balance that everyone should aim at,” says Azabe.