School Discipline
A critical look at how discipline is enforced in Canadian schools, and how it intersects with bias, exclusion, and trauma.
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Collective punishment–fair or farce?
The practice of collective punishment in schools sparks strong opinions among educators, parents, and students alike. While some argue it helps maintain control and sends a message about group accountability, critics point out that it unfairly penalizes uninvolved individuals and damages trust within the classroom. This article dives into the debate, exploring: The piece concludes…
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How children evaluate collective and targeted punishment
A recent study explores how children perceive fairness in different forms of punishment. The research, conducted with children of varying ages, compares their reactions to collective punishment (where an entire group is punished for the actions of a few) versus targeted punishment (where only the individuals responsible face consequences). The findings reveal that children overwhelmingly view collective punishment as…
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Why collective punishment doesn’t work, based on scientific evidence
When we challenge collective punishment, defenders often fall back on one refrain: it works. They say it fosters accountability, motivates group norms, and deters misbehaviour. They claim it teaches responsibility. But what if these assumptions are not only unjust, but false? A peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports dismantles this defence. Titled Measuring the efficacy of…