When I Was Young

From TODAY, Voices
Wednesday, 25-March-2009

Yes, caning can teach children the right values, but reasons must be explained

Letter from Dr Anthony Thian

Caning has its place in instilling certain values into children, but should only be used when the offence is serious and not as a form of punishment for offences such as having long hair or long nails, being late for school or not handing in homework.

In this case, the child has exhibited violent behaviour (chasing down another child and kicking him) over a small matter — the rightful owner of the online game refused to tell him his password.

Violent behaviour cannot be tolerated. However, before the discipline master effected the punishment, he should have explained to the assembled students why the offence was serious and why it should never be repeated. It would also have been a good opportunity for the discipline master to give students some tips on anger management.

As a medical doctor, I come across many parents who now lament that they should have meted out stronger punishment when their children were younger. They regret their inaction, as some of their children have joined street gangs, others have gotten into serious fights and others have taken up drugs. The parents now wish that schools had been more strict with their children too.

Let us not get carried away with the notion that public caning would always have a negative effect. It certainly does not dampen any creative spirit. There is nothing creative in violent behaviour.