Creating a culture of non-violent discipline in schools: Lessons learnt from a pilot programme in South Africa

Despite the sophisticated legal framework that is in place, children in South Africa face high levels of violence at home, in school and in communities by people entrusted to care for and protect them. Violence in the form of... [ view full abstract ]

Despite the sophisticated legal framework that is in place, children in South Africa face high levels of violence at home, in school and in communities by people entrusted to care for and protect them. Violence in the form of corporal punishment by parents and teachers, is exacerbated by a public, whose attitudes and beliefs are generally marked by a tolerance of corporal punishment against children, and acceptance that it cannot be prevented. Violence has long-lasting consequences for children and evidence shows a link between childhood violence and adult mental health disorders and substance abuse.

This presentation will discuss the evaluation results of an innovative positive discipline process undertaken by Save the Children South Africa, with the following objectives:
• Pilot the implementation of the 7-step programme for positive discipline in 15 schools;
• Evaluate the process to enable the development of a ‘best practice’ model that may be replicated in schools across South Africa.

Method
A process evaluation using qualitative methods for data collection; including focus groups, interviews, meetings, observations, pre-test and post-test questionnaires, continuous monitoring and adaptation of programme strategy.

Results
While some schools rolled out the programme and progressed to various stages of the 7-step process, others struggled. Challenges included poor support from school management and the Department of Basic Education; limited parental participation and in-house counselling support; limited time and conflicting curriculum demands. Teachers requested tried and tested positive discipline strategies and an enabling environment.

Conclusions
Positive discipline programmes within challenging contexts requires buy-in from the Department of Basic Education at national, district and school level. An enabling environment for educator participation was crucial (dedicated time, in-house counselling for learners, space to share grievances and positive discipline strategies, mentorship, accessible community support services). Finally, concrete positive discipline strategies with the 7-step process works.