Knowledge, attitudes, and consequences of corporal punishment among school children aged 15-19 years and its associated factors in selected schools in Colombo, Gampaha and Kegalle Districts

Abstract

Introduction: Corporal punishment is a common method to correct or control a child’s behaviour. Teachers use physical force, intending the student to respond to the pain caused by the punishments. Its physical and psycho-social outcomes can have long lasting impacts on growth towards adulthood. Objective: To describe the knowledge, attitudes and consequences of corporal punishment (CP) among school children aged 15-19 years and its associated factors in schools in Colombo, Kegalle and Gampaha districts. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was earned out among 245 school children aged 15-19 years. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire and SPSS Statistics Version 26 was used for data analysis. P < 0.05 was taken as the level of significance. Results: Only 42.9% of the participants were aware that CP was illegal. At least one form of CP was experienced by the majority (86.4%). Kneeling, standing on chairs and ear twisting were commonly experienced (>80%). Majority had felt pain and physical discomfort. Most (60.4%) acknowledged that they understood their wrongdoings after being punished. Interestingly, 76.7% of the students do not believe that CP is an acceptable practice and only 29% considers it a positive influence. Majority (88.2%) would prefer positive methods of discipline as alternatives to corporal punishment. There was a statistically significant association between the mother’s employment status and knowledge regarding CP. Conclusions: Steps should be taken to improve awareness on methods of student discipline, emphasising the consequences of corporal punishment.