Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 29-11-2018
The Director of the Teddy Bear Foundation for Abused Children says while corporal punishment in the home may assist in reprimanding misbehaving children, there are other means and methods that can be adopted to discipline them.
Shaheda Omar was commenting on the Constitutional Court considering the constitutionality of parents spanking their children in the home.
The apex court prohibited corporal punishment in detention settings in 1995 and in schools in 2000, and this case presents the opportunity to prohibit its use in the home.
Currently the common law defense of ‘reasonable chastisement’ practically allows parents to hit their children with the justification of corporal punishment being a form of discipline.
Omar says a decision by the court will give parents the opportunity to raise their children differently.
“We need to shift from that old school of thought that physical punishment is the answer. Getting the child to understand, to develop more self-discipline insight and a better understanding, but also for the parent to engage. It’s about listening to your child, lead and be led and love your child.”
The Constitutional Court will decide on Thursday if making corporal punishment at home illegal is wrong.
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