Classroom discipline methods have undergone significant changes in the last few decades, with laws prohibiting physical punishment even in countries where it was a common practice.
Historically, teachers routinely used physical punishment as a disciplinary measure. Yet, in this century, it persists in many Southeast-Asian countries, where the practice was first introduced by Dutch colonizers, and has evolved into a cultural norm. Low wages, inadequate training, and large class sizes often leave teachers overwhelmed, limiting their ability to explore alternative disciplinary methods. These challenges are recognized by many educators as a hurdle to adopting modern disciplinary methods.
Reflecting on this issue, Social Studies teacher Pak Jonathan said, “If you are a teacher living from
paycheck to paycheck, you [are unable] to think about how you can discipline your students better.”
Over a decade ago, the Indonesian government passed Act (Undang- Undang Dasar) No. 35 of the Child Protection Act, which prohibits the use of physical forms of discipline in schools. Yet, as recently as 2021, a teacher in Central Java was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison for physically disciplining his students for skipping school. In addition, psychological research shows that receiving physical discipline increases one’s likelihood of participating in risky activities. However, the use of physical punishment remains ingrained in some educators’ practice, while others are persistent in their commitment to students’ safety.
“Whatever happens, as a teacher, your job is to make sure that your students feel–and are safe,” Pak Jonathan said.
Furthermore, according to the National Library of Medicine, there is a strong correlation between the use of physical discipline on children and an increased risk of them developing mental health conditions.
A National Comorbidity Survey found that children subjected to physical punishment are 32% more likely to abuse alcohol, 22% more likely to suffer from major depression, and 30% more likely to develop behavioral issues as adults.
“The scar is not physical, but mental,” said Indonesian Studies teacher Pak Henda.
Thus, the effects of physical punishment extend beyond immediate compliance, potentially causing long-term mental health effects beyond childhood.
Hence, though laws support it, traditional habits can challenge the transition to modern disciplinary methods in some classrooms. If the threat of physical punishment looms over any mistakes students make, classrooms might never be a safe place for them to grow.
