Letter of the Day | Is it really an ‘overreach’?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On Monday, May 27, 2024, The Gleaner published an article that outlined the Church’s concern regarding the Government’s proposal to ban corporal punishment in homes. I noted that the Church believes the Government should focus more on “rebuilding the family while helping parents cope with the challenge of child-rearing in Jamaica”. I also acknowledge that the Church believes that passing the law would be a “direct overreach by the Government and can only be seen as an effort to replace the role of parents in the home”. But is it really an “overreach” if the Government has a constitutional oath to protect children from potential instances of abuse? Where do we cross the line?

There is a difference between corporal punishment and discipline. Corporal punishment is the administration of physical punishment to modify problem behaviour. However, discipline aims to teach desired behaviour while at the same time facilitating the development of self-control and responsible behaviour.

Strategies for discipline could include, but aren’t limited to, positive and negative reinforcement, modelling behaviour, etc. Considering this, I do not believe the proposal to restrict corporal punishment is synonymous with restricting punishment.

I grew up in church and I can guarantee that the text that will be used to support the argument for corporal punishment is Proverbs 13:24 which states, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children.” However, if we are going to be integral in our theology, the shepherd’s rod was never used to administer physical violence but was used to gently redirect the flock.

I’d like to make the following recommendations to both members of the clergy and the Government/duty bearers:

In passing the law, ensure that there is a clear definition of corporal punishment and discipline as this will ensure that there is no ambiguity in what we are trying to prevent in the passing of the law.

Since the Church is the cornerstone of the community, (develop) a partnership with the Church, the Government and the National Parenting Commission to devise innovative strategies for sensitising parents on effective strategies for discipline.

Let’s work together to end corporal punishment!

JAEMAR JOHNSON

Behaviour Analyst & Special

Education Consultant