Sir, - So D. K. Henderson (January 21st) feels that the "odd thump" from a teacher causes no harm and even instilled in him discipline, industry and respect for his elders. My own experience and that of many who endured a regime of corporal punishment in school would suggest quite the opposite effect. As any victim of violence knows, respect for the perpetrator is hardly the first feeling which springs to mind. Trying to beat knowledge into a child only engenders feelings of fear, loathing and resentment in that child, and hardly contributes to the learning process.
Although I realise that teachers have a difficult and pressurised job, resorting to violent acts only diminishes them and their victims. The goal of our education system should not be to terrorise our children into learning, but to instil a love of learning in them by other means. Our schools should be aiming to turn out well-adjusted and confident young people, equipped with the ability to survive and prosper in the modern world.
Violence is not permitted in any other area of society. Why should our schools be any different? Our children depend on us for guidance. The example we set will remain with them forever. The teacher who needs to use violence, whether it be threatened or actual, as a means of control, has failed. It happened too much in the past.
Please, let there be no return to the dark ages! - Yours, etc., Cahir Healy,
Rockboro Avenue, Old Blackrock Road, Cork.