The very recent agenda of this newly formed government is the reform of the education system and the improvement of its curriculum. Practices, be it physical or psychological, can often be explained by the necessity or best interest of the child, but their negative consequences are always evident over the long term. They weaken the dignity of children, damage trust, and disrupt healthy emotional and cognitive growth. When it is really committed to the protection of child well-being and meeting its international commitments, Bangladesh needs to take a decisive step towards abandoning all punitive treatment. To deal with these issues, it is necessary not only to enforce it more but also to change the attitudes in general, to make sure that all children, irrespective of their educational environment, are safe, respected, and brought up in a safe learning atmosphere.
Reform of the education system has become one of the priorities of the newly established government, and a unified, context-sensitive, dignity-driven curriculum that would embrace the values of the nation and would correspond to the international standards has become a top priority. This vision can be reflected in the 31-point agenda of the BNP that highlights equity, quality, and accountability in the education sphere. But reform cannot be merely structural and curricular but also has to address the practices that are deep-rooted that detract from the rights and well-being of children. Any significant change in the education system, including the madrasa sector, must make sure that the learning environments are inclusive modernised as well as safe, respectful, and free of any kind of punishment and humiliation.
The international community, via the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has created a very specific objective: by SDG 16.2, all forms of violence against children should be eradicated by the year 2030. It is not a figurative desire but a practical promise. However, this goal will be unattainable unless a bold action is taken to end punishment at all levels.
A steadily accumulating body of research in a wide range of fields indicates that punitive strategies, in particular corporal punishment, are ineffective in enhancing the behaviour of children over time. Instead, they are linked with heightened aggression, anxiety, low academic achievements and the probability of being more likely perpetrators of violence during their adult years. What starts as a form of discipline tends to turn into a circle of abuse. Children in Bangladesh have been subjected to punishment both at school and at home, despite the efforts of the policies. There are government circulars prohibiting corporal punishment in educational institutions, but these are not consistently implemented.
To end this loop, Bangladesh should implement a full-fledged legal system which clearly bans any form of punishment to children, without exception. This encompasses homes, schools, workplaces, alternative care settings and any institution. A unified law would have multiple uses that would be clear. First, it would confirm that children are rights-holders who deserve protection against violence as adults do. Second, it would eliminate ambiguity in the policies in place, and nothing can be a justification for punishment in any situation. Third, it would send a powerful societal message: violence against children is unacceptable.
Not only has the violent discipline in countries that have passed such laws been reduced, but also more profound changes in parenting norms and social attitudes. This is a way that Bangladesh can and must take.
Campaigns to raise awareness among the population need to address the existing beliefs about punishment and encourage non-violent and positive methods of raising children. Caregivers and parents should have useful instruments to mentor children without fear and coercion. Educators should be equipped with positive discipline that instills respect, empathy, and positive behaviour. Mechanisms to enhance monitoring and accountability are also essential. Bans on punishment in schools should be vigorously implemented, and there should be reporting and response mechanisms. The best policies will not work without accountability.
The voice of the child is one of the most neglected issues concerning child protection. Children are usually seen as passive receivers of care, as opposed to active participants in making decisions that affect them. To stop punishment, there must be a change in this attitude. Children should be provided with secure areas where they can voice their opinions and get to share their experiences. Policies, programmes, and interventions should be informed by their views. Hearing children is not only an ethical necessity, but it is also a functional necessity to create effective solutions.
Cessation of punishment is not just a child rights concern; it is a social development and health concern. Childhood violence is associated with long-term health issues, such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, and chronic illnesses. Less violence against children can thus help to build stronger and healthier communities. Additionally, it can be beneficial to address punitive practices to interrupt intergenerational violence transmission. Children exposed to non-violent acts stand better chances of growing up to be peaceful conflict resolvers and enhancing social cohesion.
These children will grow to be the leaders of tomorrow, and this fact compels us to take the issue of their protection with the highest seriousness. Children are young; however, they have equal rights to adults. The children should be allowed to grow in an environment where their potential is developed as opposed to a life that is characterised by fear, humiliation or abuse.
Abolition of punishment does not imply abolition of discipline but is its modification towards an approach based on rights that honours dignity, encourages positive behaviour and promotes healthy development, which in the long run will help to create a more just and inclusive society.
The real question as Bangladesh proceeds to the 2030 agenda is not whether we can afford to do away with punishment, but whether we can afford not to. The solution should determine our behaviour now.
The writer is a Protection Specialist and CEO, Favor Consultancy. E-mail: [email protected]
