The Psychosocial Effects of Corporal Punishment on Students in Ghana

Corporal punishment in schools in Ghana has been recently criticized and subsequently banned in schools in Ghana by the Ghana Education Service. This was received with mixed feelings by Ghanaians. Some think corporal punishment is good for instilling discipline among students. Others also think corporal punishment is barbaric and should be avoided in schools in Ghana. The study was conducted to look at the psychosocial effects of corporal punishment on students in schools in Ghana. In doing this, secondary data was used for the study, through literature review.

The study found out that corporal punishment has tolling psychosocial effects on the academic work of students. The study found the following as some social effects of corporal punishment on students: break in relationship between teachers and students; dislike for authority among students; antisocial behavior among students; violent behavior in students and fear for the punisher. Psychologically, corporal punishment leads to aggressions, mental health problems, mood disturbances, behavioral problems, intense anger and others. It was discovered that corporal punishment is not effective enough to instill discipline but rather destructive and damaging. The study reveals other alternatives to corporal punishment such as praising good behavior and ignoring mild misbehavior which are more effective.

The study recommends the use of alternative forms of punishment instead of corporal punishment. The study also recommends the effective use of Guidance and Counselling in schools. Workshop on the negative effects of corporal punishment should also be organized for teachers and parents.