To curb cases of excessive beating, parents and teachers have advocated moderation and regularisation in child discipline across the country.

The call came on the heels of the death of 12-year-old Emmanuel Amidu after he was alleged flogged by his mathematics teacher at Agbara, Lagos, on May 12.

Parents and teachers, who spoke at Avo Pizza Fabolous, Arepo, during this year’s Children’s Day celebration, said it was important that discipline be not left in the hands of schools alone.

The host, Mrs. Folashade Shona, who feted children from selected schools in the area, urged parents to imbibe the culture of correcting their wards by words.

She reminded them they were crucial in shaping the lives of their children, adding that constant flogging was not the way to go.

“Children are our future and parents must raise their children in a godly manner. Parents must instil discipline in their children first before anyone else. However, there should be moderation in disciplining children. Even when you beat them, you should also know to use your words next time. Whatever canning you’re doing on your children should be at minimum and should not be the only resort in child discipline,” she noted.

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A movie producer, Funsho Adegeye, frowned at corporal punishments in schools, saying teachers must not beat their pupils.

He said: “Corporal punishment should not be done at all. Sometimes, when you bully a child with cane, you will lose him or her. It should not be encouraged. There are better ways to instil discipline in children.

“My father understood this when I was young. He didn’t bully me with a cane, rather, he withdrew the things I loved till I was sorry and came back to my senses.”

But another teacher, Jumoke Fatoye, said a little discipline was necessary, advising parents and teachers to carry out such acts with love.

“In some aspects a little discipline is necessary for children. Like the popular saying ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’. It is however, important to embrace them afterwards as parents and as teachers,” she noted.