Corporal punishment is when an adult uses physical force to discipline or control a child, with the aim of causing pain, though not serious injury. In simple terms, it means hurting a child’s body to punish them.
Examples of corporal punishment include beating or caning, slapping or spanking, whipping, hitting with objects such as sticks, belts, or cords, and forcing children to remain in painful positions, like kneeling for a long time. Corporal punishment can take place at home, in schools, or in other institutions.
Many people believe that corporal punishment teaches discipline. However, research shows that it can cause fear and emotional pain, anger and resentment, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and trauma. It can also lead to long-term problems with behavior and trust.
Because of these harmful effects, many countries have banned corporal punishment in schools and now promote non-violent ways of disciplining children instead.
Corporal punishment is still common in Ghana. It is often used to discipline children at home, in school, and in other places. In many families, parents or guardians punish children by slapping or beating them. They may use objects such as sticks, canes, belts, ropes, or even computer cords. In very serious cases, some children have been burned with hot pressing irons or scalded with hot water.
Many parents believe this kind of punishment is acceptable because of religion, especially Christianity. Some quote the saying, “spare the rod and spoil the child,” to explain why they hit children. Because of this belief, corporal punishment is often seen as normal discipline rather than as harm or abuse.
Children can be punished for many reasons. These include bedwetting, not running errands, failing to complete chores, doing poorly in schoolwork, or stealing. Sometimes, children are beaten to force them to admit to something they are accused of doing.
Who gives the punishment often depends on gender roles. Women usually discipline very young children and toddlers. Men are more likely to punish older children, especially boys, and this punishment is often physical.
In 2019, Ghana banned corporal punishment in schools. However, reports show that some teachers and school leaders still use it. In schools, children may be beaten for poor grades, coming to school late, skipping classes, or causing trouble in class. The continued use of corporal punishment in homes and schools raises serious concerns about children’s safety, mental health, and their basic rights.
There have also been cases where parents or family members became violent toward teachers who punished their children. In one tragic case, a young kindergarten teacher lost her life. On November 27, 2013, a 22-year-old teacher punished a pupil who later got injured. The child’s family became very angry. The teacher and her headteacher went to the family’s home to apologize. During the visit, a family member tried to attack the teacher with a chair. As she tried to run away, she fell into an open gutter and died. This case shows how corporal punishment can lead to serious conflicts and tragic outcomes.
There is also evidence that corporal punishment can be linked to suicide among children and teenagers in Ghana. Fear of punishment, as well as anger and sadness after being beaten, has played a role in some deaths. In October 2014, a 13-year-old boy took his own life after his mother threatened to punish him for not washing dishes. When she left for the market, the boy acted out of fear. In another case in September 2014, a 13-year-old boy died by suicide after his mother beat him with a cane for refusing to run an errand. Later that day, while she was at work, he hanged himself. In August 2020, a 16-year-old boy also died by suicide after his mother threatened to report him to the police for gambling.
These stories show that corporal punishment can cause deep emotional pain and serious mental harm. They also show why there is an urgent need for safer, non-violent ways to discipline children in Ghana.
