Collective efforts needed to curb indiscipline in schools – Prof. Alatinga
The educationist says parents, teachers and school authorities must work together to restore discipline and provide effective guidance for students.
Professor Kennedy Alatinga, Principal of Mount Mary College of Education in Somanya in the Eastern Region and founder of Angels of Excellence Montessori School in Navrongo, has called for a collective effort among parents, teachers and other stakeholders to address growing indiscipline in schools.
According to him, the increasing cases of indiscipline among students cannot be attributed to students alone, as parental attitudes, teacher limitations and broader changes in the education system also contribute to the problem.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, September 9, Prof. Alatinga said some parents had become overly protective of their children and were increasingly reluctant to allow teachers or other adults to appropriately correct them when they go wrong.
He said in the past, child discipline was considered a collective responsibility, with parents, relatives, teachers and other members of the community contributing to the upbringing and correction of children.
He believes the weakening of that communal approach has contributed to a situation where some students feel they can misbehave without facing appropriate consequences.
The educationist also noted that teachers were increasingly cautious about disciplining students because of possible confrontations with parents.
“If you make a mistake and you think that your friend’s or your brother’s child has wronged you, and you discipline, for example caning that person, if you’re not careful, you will be taken to the police station,” he cautioned.
Prof. Alatinga further linked the challenge to restrictions on corporal punishment in schools, arguing that although abuse must not be tolerated, schools should have access to properly regulated corrective measures.
He stressed that he did not support excessive or abusive punishment but maintained that appropriate corrective discipline could help students understand boundaries and develop responsible attitudes.
According to him, discipline is particularly important at the secondary-school level, where students are undergoing a critical stage of personal development and require proper guidance to prepare them for adulthood.
Prof. Alatinga emphasized that discipline is also fundamental to effective learning, as students are required to adhere to school schedules, attend classes regularly and devote adequate time to their studies.
He, however, expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education to address indiscipline in second-cycle institutions could contribute to improving the situation.
Prof. Alatinga therefore called for stronger collaboration between parents and teachers, stressing that both sides must work together and “speak the same language” in the interest of students and the restoration of discipline in schools.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
