Balancing discipline and rights: Insights from school management teams on corporal punishment

Abstract

Maintaining discipline is a critical aspect of effective teaching and learning in South African secondary schools. Despite being legally abolished, corporal punishment continues to be used, raising concerns about teacher misconduct and learner well-being. This study explores the perspectives of school management teams (SMTs) on the continued use of corporal punishment. Employing a qualitative approach within an interpretative paradigm, data were collected through interviews with one principal and two deputy principals from two schools. Findings highlight significant challenges associated with corporal punishment, including learner trauma, increased bullying, declining academic performance, and absenteeism. The study recommends that schools adopt alternative disciplinary strategies while actively engaging parents in supporting teachers’ professional development on managing learner behaviour, thereby balancing discipline with learners’ rights.