Spare the rod, spoil the nation: let’s tackle indiscipline in schools

Student indiscipline has become a pervasive issue in some senior high schools across the country.

The phenomenon is characterised by a range of behaviours, including truancy, disobedience, violence and disrespect towards teachers and school authorities.

This trend is not only detrimental to the academic environment but also has far-reaching consequences for the social, emotional and psychological well-being of students.

The recent spate of violence in our schools is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to take a hard look at the state of discipline in our educational institutions.

The gruesome murder of an 18-year-old student at O'Reilly Senior High School and the recent brutal attack on a teacher at Asuoso Senior High School, resulting in the loss of an eye, are stark reminders of the consequences of indiscipline.

Mr Ishmael Famous was stabbed in the left eye by the student, who was said to have been loitering instead of being in the classroom as was required.

The Daily Graphic supports the position of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) to demand justice for the teacher. We condemn these acts of violence and indiscipline in the strongest possible terms.

We believe that discipline is essential for the development of our children and the future of our nation.

The Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). It is our collective responsibility as parents, teachers and guardians to ensure that our children are trained in the ways of discipline and respect.

We call on the GES and the Ministry of Education to take immediate action to address the issue of indiscipline in our schools.

The lack of discipline in our schools is a reflection of the broader societal problems we face as a nation. When students are allowed to engage in acts of indiscipline without consequences, it sends a message that such behaviour is acceptable.

This can have serious consequences, as these students grow up to become leaders and citizens who may perpetuate the same behaviour.

It is time for us to re-examine our values and priorities as a society. We need to recognise that discipline is essential for achieving success and prosperity, both individually and collectively.

We must create a culture that values hard work, respect and discipline, and provides consequences for those who fail to uphold these values.

The role of parents in promoting discipline in schools cannot be overstated. Parents must take an active interest in their children's education and behaviour, and work closely with teachers to ensure that their children are meeting the expected standards of behaviour.

This includes teaching children the importance of respect, discipline and hard work, and providing consequences for misbehaviour.

Furthermore, the government must provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that schools are able to maintain discipline and provide a safe and conducive learning environment.

This includes providing adequate funding, training and resources for teachers, as well as implementing policies and programmes that promote discipline and good behaviour.

For teachers to achieve clear outcomes, establishing clear expectations from the outset is crucial, as it enables students to understand the boundaries and consequences of misbehaviour.

Promoting positive reinforcement is also vital, as rewarding good behaviour encourages its repetition. Furthermore, encouraging student engagement through interactive lessons can help minimise disruptions, while fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves is essential.

Ultimately, promoting discipline in our schools requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school administrators and the government.

We must work together to create a culture that values discipline, respect and hard work, and provides consequences for those who fail to uphold these values. If we are deliberate about it, we can ensure that our children receive the education and training they need to succeed in life and become responsible citizens.

Let us not forget that the future of our nation depends on the values and principles we instil in our children today.

We owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to take action to address the issue of indiscipline in our schools.

The time to act is now.