A study has found that 92.7 per cent of pupils surveyed in Lagos believe teachers can maintain classroom discipline without corporal punishment, contradicting concerns among some school administrators that the restriction of caning has weakened their authority over students.

The finding was disclosed in a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Wednesday and signed by Onadipe Ope of the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.

The study, presented by the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, found a significant gap between teachers’ perceptions of their disciplinary authority and students’ experiences.

While some teachers and school leaders expressed concerns that the restriction had weakened their ability to control pupils, the students surveyed affirmed that their teachers still had sufficient authority to maintain discipline.

The research identified the use of reasonable rules, appropriate consequences, parental engagement, counselling and documentation of incidents as ways teachers could correct misconduct without physically punishing pupils.

It also recommended that teachers seek institutional support where necessary, stressing that effective classroom discipline should rest on their ability to guide behaviour rather than inflict physical punishment.

The findings were presented during an engagement organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for heads of schools, principals and administrators in Education District IV at Lagos City Senior School Hall, Sabo-Yaba.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, urged school administrators to protect children from all forms of violence, including corporal punishment.

She said discipline should not come at the expense of a child’s safety and dignity, urging school leaders to adopt positive approaches that correct behaviour, provide guidance and help pupils become responsible individuals.

Another presentation, facilitated by Amelia Kentebe, examined alternative disciplinary measures and introduced participants to practical, child-friendly methods of managing pupils’ behaviour without physical punishment.

The agency said the engagement was part of efforts to promote the implementation of the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and the statewide circular prohibiting the use of canes in schools. ( Punch)