Discipline Gone Wrong: The Hidden Cost of Harsh Classrooms

A Morning in Odisha, A Lesson We Must Learn

Just days ago, in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, an assistant teacher was suspended after allegedly thrashing 31 students from classes 6-8 with a bamboo stick. Why? They hadn’t touched her feet after the morning prayers, a gesture of respect she expected but they missed. One boy suffered a fractured hand; a girl fainted and required hospital care. Officials, parents, and the school administration responded quickly.

This wasn’t a moment of discipline; it was a violation. And though news reports like this make headlines, many parents know well that such practices are not rare. The damage is more than physical — fear, shame, and broken trust often stay long after the bruises fade.

The Problem: When “Discipline” Turns Into Harm

Every parent agrees: children need guidance, structure, and discipline. But discipline is not the same as punishment. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, makes it explicit: corporal punishment in schools is banned. Yet, across states, enforcement remains patchy.

When punishment replaces teaching, three things happen:

• Trust is broken. Children fear teachers instead of respecting them.

• Learning is derailed. Anxiety and trauma replace curiosity.

• Power goes unchecked. A teacher’s authority, meant to nurture, becomes a weapon.

And the silence around these incidents often keeps them hidden until something extreme hits the news.

What Parents Should Know

You don’t have to accept silence as the norm. As parents, you have rights, and your children do too.

1. Under the RTE Act:

• Corporal punishment is explicitly prohibited (Section 17).

• Schools must ensure a safe learning environment.

2. Complaint mechanisms:

• Start with the school principal or management.

• Escalate to the District Education Officer or State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR).

• In severe cases, police complaints can be filed under the Juvenile Justice Act (Section 75 on cruelty to children).

3. Support for children:

• Many states run child helplines (1098) for immediate support.

• Psychological counseling is increasingly offered by schools, though often underutilized.

Parents are not powerless. The law and community support exist, but need to be activated.

Our POV: Teaching with Respect, Not Fear

At SchoolDoor, we believe: discipline should teach, not terrorize. A raised voice may grab attention, but only respect builds character. India’s schools need to replace outdated punishment with evidence-based practices: positive discipline, restorative conversations, and teacher training in classroom management.

Teacher accountability isn’t about blame, it’s about responsibility. Schools must set clear discipline policies, share them with parents, and enforce zero tolerance for abuse. Parents, meanwhile, must keep asking: “How does this school define discipline? How do they train their teachers?”

The Bigger Picture

If one teacher crosses the line, that’s a problem. If a system tolerates it, that’s a crisis. The Odisha case is a reminder that silence normalizes harm. Every parent speaking up chips away at that silence.

Call to Action

• Ask: During admissions, request the school’s discipline policy.

• Demand: Push for teacher training on positive discipline.

• Act: Report cases of corporal punishment, don’t let them be brushed under the carpet.

• Support: Talk to your child; remind them they can always speak up at home.

Discipline is not about control; it’s about growth. And growth never comes from fear.

💡 At SchoolDoor, we’re building a parent-powered platform to ensure no story of harm gets lost. If you’ve experienced or witnessed unfair discipline in your child’s school, share it. Your voice can help others choose better—and push schools to do better.