MARGAO: After five students were suspended for allegedly using pepper spray on their classmates, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) has written to the State Director of Education, recommending for immediate withdrawal of the decision as the punitive measures could lead to humiliation and disengagement on the minds of children.
In a letter written to the Education Dept, Chairperson Peter Borges stated that the Commission had had learnt about the suspension of five Class XI students from Shree Shantadurga HSS, Bicholim, for a month.
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“While the Commission understands that schools do have the right to impose reasonable sanctions if a pupil misbehaves, but action like suspension for a month is likely to be the least effective way of managing behaviour and could have negative effects on students in later life,” said Borges.
Borges added that in such a situation, those five students will be left humiliated and disengaged by the punishment that is given, which also violates their rights.
“School discipline must be administered in a way that respects a child’s human dignity, with greater focus on the psychological needs of students. Students face numerous and complex stressors that administration needs to understand them better to assist them navigate their school years,” the Chairperson added.
“Punitive procedures and discipline practices can contribute to students disengaging from school and create the conditions for a negative school climate. A progressive discipline approach is needed that allows students to remain in school and receive required services for behavioural issues,” said Borges.
GSPCR asked the Director of Education to file a compliance report on this recommendation within a week’s time.
