The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called on Principals, Heads and Administrators of Schools to adopt non-violent and child-friendly disciplinary measures in schools to protect children and promote safer learning environments.
The call was made during an engagement with school administrators in Education District IV, held at Lagos City Senior School Hall, Sabo-Yaba.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, emphasised the need to protect children from all forms of violence, including corporal punishment in schools.
She stated that discipline should not come at the expense of a child’s safety and dignity, urging school administrators to embrace positive approaches that correct behaviour, provide guidance and encourage children to develop into responsible individuals.
The first presentation, facilitated by the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, examined the impact of banning corporal punishment on discipline in public schools and highlighted alternative disciplinary measures.
A key finding from the research presented revealed a significant difference between teachers’ perceptions of their disciplinary authority and students’ experiences.
While some teachers and school leaders expressed concerns that the restriction of corporal punishment had weakened their disciplinary control, 92.7 per cent of surveyed students affirmed that teachers still had sufficient authority to maintain discipline.
The finding emphasised that effective teacher authority should not depend on the use of physical punishment but on the ability to establish and enforce reasonable rules, correct inappropriate behaviour, apply appropriate consequences, engage parents, provide counselling, document incidents and seek institutional support where necessary.
Another session on Alternative Disciplinary Measures, facilitated by Amelia Kentebe, introduced participants to practical and positive approaches to managing children’s behaviour without resorting to physical punishment.
The engagement formed part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to promote the implementation of the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and the statewide circular prohibiting the use of canes in schools.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection, promoting positive disciplinary practices, promoting positive disciplinary practices and ensuring safer learning environments across Lagos State.
