Sindh’s Directorate of Private Schools has launched an awareness campaign urging parents, teachers and communities to reject corporal punishment and adopt positive discipline, saying violence against children is abuse rather than a legitimate form of discipline.
The campaign, launched by Additional Director of Private Schools Rafia Malla, aims to promote child protection and encourage safe, supportive learning environments.
“Corporal punishment is not discipline; it is abuse,” Malla said, adding that physical punishment can leave children with lasting emotional and psychological trauma, affecting their confidence, academic performance and overall well-being.
The campaign says no child should be subjected to violence at home or in school, stressing that children learn more effectively in environments based on respect, care and encouragement rather than fear.
It encourages parents and teachers to replace physical punishment with empathy, guidance and positive reinforcement. “A teacher’s greatest strength is compassion, not fear,” the campaign states.
The awareness drive also highlights children’s right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and bullying, calling on families, schools and communities to create safe environments where children are heard, respected and supported.
The campaign urges the public to report suspected cases of child abuse and promotes the use of helplines, including the Child Helpline (1121), Police Emergency (15) and the Women Helpline (1099).
Beyond corporal punishment, the campaign addresses broader forms of violence against children, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation. It says early intervention, timely reporting and greater community awareness are essential to preventing abuse and ensuring justice for victims.
The campaign also calls for greater emphasis on teaching respect, empathy and equality at home and in educational institutions, while urging society to reject violence and hold offenders accountable.
It concludes by stressing that protecting children is a shared responsibility and that a safer society begins with compassion, accountability and respect for every child’s rights.
Published in The News, July 12th, 2026.
