Educators Compliance with Law on Abolishment of Corporal Punishment in Zambian Schools: A Civic Education Perspective

Abstract

This paper delves into educators’ compliance with the law on the abolishment of corporal punishment in Zambian schools. Specifically, it focuses on the compliance levels and challenges faced by Zambian educators in adhering to the law prohibiting corporal punishment in schools, and suggestions to foster a supportive, safe, and legally compliant educational environment. The study was anchored on citizenship-oriented and morality-oriented Individual theories. Voluntary sampling was employed to come up with a sample of 153 participants which includes educators, policymakers, parents and learners. Quantitative data collected from 153 participants indicates partial compliance, with 50% reporting no use of corporal punishment, while 33% acknowledge its ongoing use. However, 17% indicated being uncertain. Qualitative findings reveal key challenges of non-compliance which includes; high levels of learner indiscipline, educators' resistance to change, lack of sensitisation, weak enforcement of the law, and issues related to over-enrollment. To address these challenges, recommendations are proposed which include; enhanced sensitisation campaigns targeting educators, administrators, parents, and learners to raise awareness about the legal prohibition of corporal punishment; provision of ongoing professional development on non-violent disciplinary techniques for educators; strengthening enforcement mechanisms through clear guidelines and consequences for non-compliance; implementation of support programs for educators' well-being to manage stress and emotional challenges; and advocacy for structural changes to reduce class sizes and address over-enrollment.

Key Words: Abolishment, Compliance, Corporal Punishment, Educators, Law

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-2-13

Publication date: February 28^th 2025