Imparting education is the transmission of knowledge and skills for the holistic development of children. Since ancient times, people have believed that punishment should be used to educate children, and hence teachers have been incorporating punishment in educating children. However, I don’t think using punishment is always the best course of action. I wish to substantiate my opinion in the below paragraphs.

When children are young, they have a strong sense of curiosity, and a constant desire to explore and experience everything. They lack the wisdom and discretion to understand right and wrong. Hence, punishing children just helps them figure out how to get by so they won’t get punished again. The impact of punishment on children's mental health is undeniably significant. Extensive research reveals that frequent or harsh punishment can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in children. Additionally, it can contribute to the development of behavioural issues such as stubbornness and aggression among children. For instance, a few recent incidents demonstrate that youth and adolescent crime rates are rising. It is discovered that they suffer from personality disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which have an impact on children's emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health. It has been shown that these personality problems persist throughout adulthood and give rise to criminal tendencies. For instance, after examining a few children who committed severe crimes, it was found that they possess personality disorders, mental health issues and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of the severe punishment and harassment they were subjected to in their growing up stages.

Children who are consistently subjected to punishment may develop a markedly negative self-image and a poor perception of the world around them, resulting in enduring psychological consequences that persist into adulthood. For instance, I encountered adults who are socially aloof with personality disorders. After speaking with them, it was discovered that one of her high school teachers harassed and shamed her in front of her peers for making a mistake because of a peer’s influence. She suffered from serious mental trauma as a result of this, and she struggled to interact with her classmates because of guilt and other problems. In another instance, children who are subjected to aggressive punitive corrections from their parents as they are growing up, causing them to go through traumatic experiences that they carry into adulthood.

Although the detrimental effects of punishment and mental harassment have been mentioned, it is also critical to provide appropriate corrective methods so that children can grow up to be healthy individuals. For example, a child who receives excessive praise or criticism may grow up to have personality problems such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Hence, it is imperative to provide appropriate corrective measures for children.

Role of Parents and Educators in Promoting Mental Health of Children – Help Children with Timely Appropriate Corrective Measures

At home, children need to feel secure and protected. They need to feel at ease to discuss any problems with their parents. They should not feel intimidated that their parents will criticize, judge or punish them. Particularly in this digital age, parents should be compassionate with their children and provide appropriate support and guidance if they confront difficulties.

While in school, if children commit any mistake they should be given appropriate corrections rather than being made to feel mortified in front of their peers. Most children experience this guilt and humiliation throughout their lives unless they make conscious efforts to come out of these traumas of childhood. Some of the ways to guide educators and parents to develop a healthy personality for children are discussed below.

Awareness training for educators:

There lies a huge responsibility for parents and educators to understand the mental health of their students and provide them with supportive counsel and assistance when necessary. Educators should receive specialized training on how to deal with a youngster who has made a mistake due to bad influences of peers or a lack of wisdom. Never try to place the blame or belittle them in front of their classmates; instead, treat them with compassion and empathy, focus on helping them learn from their mistakes, and offer them emotional support and direction.

Setting role models: 

Providing children with role models facilitates the training process for both parents and educators. Educators and mentors who provide appropriate guidance will also aid in steering children in the proper direction. Allow nature to serve as an example for our children. They can learn resilience, flexibility in the face of change, respect, responsibility, etc. from nature. Instilling environmental stewardship in youngsters is facilitated by assigning tasks such as watering a plant, which teaches them empathy and responsibility for the environment.

Open communication within the family: 

Rather than focusing just on punitive measures, parents and guardians should prioritize alternative corrective approaches that emphasize positive reinforcement and open communication. Creating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere is essential to promoting healthy mental and emotional development in children. Daily quality time spent by parents and children promotes everyone's emotional health, strengthens bonds, and helps children grow up with a positive outlook on life.

My Final Thoughts on the Impact of Punishment on the Mental Health of Children – A Brief Conclusion

Research has demonstrated that early physical and emotional trauma caused by harassment or corporal punishment is associated with adverse effects on children's mental health. The adverse consequences of physical discipline encompass impaired cognitive and socio-emotional growth, subpar academic achievements, heightened hostility, and the perpetration of violent acts. Additionally, it makes children socially distant and induces negative feelings of guilt, shame, and social anxiety when they interact with their friends and peers. Their confidence wanes and their sense of self-worth is impacted.

As adults, we should be well aware of the impact of corrective measures, words, and actions on the emotional, psychological, and even physical health of our children. I believe that children should learn the positives and negatives of their behaviour early on. Though punishment is one of the most effective ways to teach children to learn this difference, parents and teachers should use positive and constructive punishment to guide children in the right direction; not necessarily punishment that causes physical or emotional harm. Let us nurture and build our children, and let them grow as responsible citizens of our country.

I think there is nothing such as a “bad kid” – just annoyed, upset, offended, drained, petrified, confused, impetuous kids conveying their moods, emotions and needs in the ways they know. 

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