Policy Statement on Corporal Punishment

 

The Archdiocesan Education Board of the Archdiocese of Kingston approved the following Policy Statement on Capital Punishment on June 12, 2006.

 

The Archdiocesan Education Board in the Archdiocese of Kingston opposes the use of any form of corporal punishment in Roman Catholic schools.  No student shall be subject to the infliction of corporal punishment.

 

Corporal punishment remains the dominant form of discipline in homes and schools (Situational Analysis of Jamaican Children, UNICEF Jamaica, 2004) despite the passing of The Child Care and Protection Act (2004) which prohibits corporal punishment in institutions and the Early Childhood Act (2005) which outlaws its use in early childhood institutions.  It is the belief of this Board, supported by significant psychological and clinical data, that corporal punishment impairs the development of children toward their optimum potential as socially responsible adults, may adversely affect their self-image and school achievement and that it may contribute to disruptive and violent student some degree of pain or discomfort in response to unacceptable behaviour.  This includes behaviour.

 

Corporal Punishment is any punishment in which physical force is intended to cause but is not limited to: hitting with the hand, with a cane, strap or other object, kicking, shaking or throwing students, scratching, pinching, gagging, locking students up and forcing students to stay in uncomfortable positions or under unreasonably uncomfortable conditions (e.g. standing in the sun) for extended periods. 

 

In a limited number of carefully considered circumstances, physical force by a staff member is authorized when, in his/her professional judgment, the physical force is necessary to protect students and staff from physical injury, to disarm a student, or to prevent property damage.  Physical force shall not be used to punish or discipline a student.  

 

The Archdiocesan Education Board urges parents, educators, school administrators and school board members to seek non-violent alternative methods of managing student behaviour through research and reflection. 

 

The Principal shall inform all staff members and substitute teachers of this policy.