Experiencing Discipline at School: Caning in Educational Settings

The practice of caning as a form of discipline in schools was a common occurrence during the 1960s and 1970s. This method of punishment varied greatly across different educational systems and religious affiliations, with some schools using caning more frequently than others. My experiences during my time at a Mennonite Church School and my later reflections on the practice provide insight into the culture and ethos of such institutions.

Caning in Mennonite Schools

At my Mennonite Church School, caning was a regular form of discipline, though not always administered on the bare bottom. The teachers in the five rooms each had a paddle, rubber hose, or strap which they occasionally used on the boys. However, caning was never the method of choice during my time. Instead, I was paddled four times, and I was a model student who seldom caused trouble.

Caning was a common punishment for even minor offenses. Once, a fellow student named Ian deliberately got me into trouble to ensure I would be caned. During an assembly, he showed me something that I had to reply to, which resulted in me talking during the assembly—a serious offense. I was pointed out and sent to the headmistress's office. The worst part of this experience was standing in line outside the headmistress's door with other misbehaving students, waiting for our turn to be caned. The memory of the headmistress lifting my shirt and giving me a few sharp whacks on my bottom remains vivid, though the details are unclear.

Caning and Religious Schools

In the Catholic High School where I attended from 1962 to 1967, the rules were tighter. Whenever we were sent to the principal's office, we had to change into sports pants under our school uniforms. Caning was not as prevalent here as in Mennonite schools, but it was still a significant form of punishment.

The last time caning was used in Australia was when I was about 14 years old. The experience was particularly memorable because it was a consequence of a school scripture lesson. During a class, I wrote 'no' to a question about whether I believed in God. The minister, who was also the scripture teacher, reported me to the Vice Principal, a notorious bigoted Catholic. I was caned for this offense, even though I was merely filling in the survey honestly. This experience had a profound impact on my opinion of religious figures, shaping my beliefs and attitudes towards them. I now view religious types as 'vermin' due to their dishonesty and prejudice.

Reflections on Caning

While caning was a frequent form of discipline in some schools, it was not practiced on the bare bottom. Instead, it was often administered on the PE shorts worn under the uniform. The welt left by the caning would often last for at least a week, serving as a reminder of the punishment.

From my perspective, caning was a form of punishment that often went too far. It was not an effective way to discipline students or improve their behavior. Instead, it served as a form of retribution and served to instill fear rather than instill a sense of moral responsibility. The use of caning in schools has largely been discontinued due to its controversy and the shift towards more humane forms of discipline.

Looking back, I believe that caning was a practice that should be reconsidered. While it may have been a common practice in the past, its ineffectiveness and the potential for abuse make it a method that should be abandoned. Schools today focus on building a culture of respect, responsibility, and empathy, which are far more effective in promoting positive behavior than physical punishment.

Conclusion

The practice of caning in schools has evolved significantly over the past few decades. While it was a common form of discipline in the 1960s and 1970s, it is now largely seen as an outdated and ineffective method. As educators and parents, we must focus on developing a culture of respect, responsibility, and empathy to help students become thoughtful and caring individuals. Caning, with its potential for abuse and lack of long-term effectiveness, is a practice that deserves to be consigned to the past.

Key Takeaways:

Caning was a common form of discipline in 1960s and 1970s schools. It was not always administered on the bare bottom in some schools. The practice has largely been discontinued due to controversy and the need for more humane forms of discipline.

References:

Personal experiences and recollections from Mennonite and Catholic schools. Research on the effectiveness and controversies surrounding corporal punishment in schools.