Recently, alarming incidents of harsh disciplinary practices in schools have come to light, raising serious concerns about student welfare. In one particularly shocking case, a teacher at a government school allegedly beat a student so badly that the child was left bruised and traumatised. Another incident, which went viral last week, occurred at a well-known school in Navelim. It involved the headmistress, who reportedly forced a girl to stand outside her office for the entire school day without a break. As a result, the girl’s legs were swollen, and she collapsed upon reaching home, needing immediate hospitalization. Photos taken by the girl’s father showed the severe swelling in her legs, highlighting the physical impact of this punishment. When complaints were made, these educators often tried to evade accountability, opting for compromises instead of addressing the root issues.
These troubling incidents are part of a broader trend in Goa, where outdated and harmful disciplinary methods are re-emerging. This raises a critical question: Are we failing our children by allowing such practices to continue?
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Today’s students are different from those of the past. They are growing up in an era that values mental health awareness and champions children’s rights, making them more vulnerable to the negative effects of harsh punishment. Unlike previous generations who might have accepted strict discipline, today’s youth are more likely to resist and speak out against unjust practices. Students today face unique pressures—academic, social, and emotional—that were less prevalent in the past. The pervasive influence of social media, the constant pressure to excel academically, and increased awareness of mental health issues mean that students are less equipped to cope with harsh disciplinary measures. Corporal punishment, involving the use of physical force to discipline students, was thought to be a thing of the past. Despite its legal ban under the Right to Education Act, 2009, it is troubling to see that it still exists in some schools. The case of a teacher in Goa beating a student black and blue is a stark reminder that these harmful practices have not disappeared. Such acts not only cause physical harm but also send a dangerous message that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems.
Psychological punishment, such as verbal abuse, public humiliation, and threats of expulsion, is equally damaging. These tactics may not leave physical scars, but they inflict deep emotional wounds. They can erode a student’s self-esteem, instill a sense of worthlessness, and leave lasting psychological damage. Another troubling trend is the increasing reliance on suspensions to handle student behavior. Although suspensions might seem like a quick solution to remove disruptive students from the classroom, they often create more problems than they solve. This issue was highlighted in a recent incident in Goa, where five students were suspended for a month after a pepper spray incident. While addressing such dangerous behavior is necessary, the decision to suspend the students for an extended period raises questions about whether this was the most constructive response. Instead of understanding why these students brought pepper spray to school, the suspension merely pushed them away, potentially exacerbating feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.
Suspensions might seem like a straightforward way to maintain order, but they come with hidden costs. For many students, school is a sanctuary—a place where they can learn, grow, and connect with others. When they are suspended, they are cut off from this supportive environment, which can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. In the pepper spray incident, the suspended students faced more than just the immediate consequence of being removed from school. They also had to cope with the long-term effects of being labeled as troublemakers, which can damage their self-esteem and engagement with school. Such experiences can lead to a decline in academic performance,
increased behavioral problems, and, in some cases, dropping out of school entirely.
Suspension often addresses only the symptoms of behavioral issues rather than the root causes. Many students who act out are dealing with complex challenges, such as family problems, mental health issues, or academic pressures. By suspending students, schools are ignoring these underlying factors and missing the opportunity to provide meaningful support.
A more effective approach would be to involve mental health professionals who can help understand the root causes of the behavior. Whether it’s counseling, behavioral interventions, or other forms of support, addressing the underlying issues can help students learn from their mistakes and improve their behavior.
Engaging mental health professionals is crucial in addressing harsh disciplinary practices. Counselors, psychologists, and social workers can provide the support and guidance needed to help students navigate their challenges. By offering coping strategies, stress management techniques, and behavioral support, mental health professionals can help students thrive rather than just survive.
It’s also essential to recognize that teachers themselves often need mental health support. Educators face significant stress and pressure, which can sometimes lead them to react harshly or inappropriately to student behavior. Providing mental health resources and training for teachers can help them manage their own stress and emotions, allowing them to respond to students more calmly and effectively. This support can lead to a healthier school environment for both students and staff.
To move away from harsh disciplinary practices, schools in Goa need to focus on creating safe, supportive environments. This means shifting from punishment to prevention, intervention, and support. Schools should implement policies that promote positive behavior and provide clear guidelines for addressing misconduct, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of behavior.
By establishing procedures that support students and hold those responsible for misconduct accountable, schools can foster an environment where students can learn from their mistakes and grow.
Parents and the broader community play a crucial role in driving change towards more compassionate and effective disciplinary practices. Parents need to be aware of how discipline is handled in schools and should advocate for practices that support rather than harm students.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The resurgence of harsh disciplinary practices in Goa’s schools is a troubling trend that must be addressed. Corporal punishment, psychological harassment, and suspensions not only harm students but also undermine the core principles of education. Instead of resorting to punishment, we need to focus on support. By engaging mental health professionals, promoting positive behavior, and building a culture of understanding, we can ensure that our schools are safe havens where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
