SPARE THE ROD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24000, 25 June 1941, Page 10

SPARE THE ROD

Sir, —"Ex-teacher" objects to the word flogging. Chambers' dictionary defines the word "flog" "to beat, to strike, to chastise" —whether the instrument used is the rod, birch or leather strap, such punishment is flogging. "Ex-Teacher" denies children are punished for "the sins of their fathers' —children are but the sum of their heredity and environment. Children inherit not only the physical characteristics of their forefathers and their mentalities, but alas! they are also heirs of weaknesses, vicious traits, discordances, and sub-normal qualities that cause some children to lag behind in knowledge and conduct. How cruel then is it to add to these handicaps of nature t<ie manufactured punishment of flogging. Psychology and modern medical scicntic research are against corporal punishment as an aid to education —the day of the pedagogue with a primer in one hand and a strap in the other is passing. Against the experience of "ExTeacher" I quote the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Modern psychiatry and genetic psychology have both shown the dangers inherent in flogging children, in that such procedure may develop inhibitions, antipathies, and neurotic traits likely to undermine the whole mental and nervous system of the child." New Zealand, which is being born to social regeneration, should take its place beside those countries that have discarded corporal punishment in schools —and prisons. Henry J. Hayward.