Should we need more discipline?

Recent years see falling standards of discipline in school in Hong Kong. While we have to admit that students become more rebellious, we have to consider whether school should impose harsher rules to put an and to the problem. Then, why is it ineffective?

What is discipline? How does it work in keeping the order in schools? Discipline is rules for conduct set by authority to punish those who have misbehaved. It acts as a deterrent to misbehaviours which are generally not acceptable from the viewpoint of the authority. For example, when students are found to be have misbehaved in schools, they will have their conduct marks deducted. It is indeed a form of punishment based on the rules of schools.

Nowadays, most students have no idea about discipline in mind. They do what they like and take no regard of the feelings of others. This is because most of their parents have to work, so they have little time to take care of their children. As a result, these students are not used to being restricted by rules and they act in their own will. On the other hand, these students can hardly execute self-discipline in schools as if they were at home. Therefore, any measures imposed by schools should focus on helping them build up their self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, rather than just acting as rules for them to fokkow.

The imposition of more and more doscipline is useless for most students who are less obedient. Though the purpose of the introduction of discipline is to stopthe misbehaviours of students from spreading, it is likely that these recalitrant students don't bow to these rules. The implementation of this kind of revenge. Therefore, it forms a vicious cycle in which students who have misbehaved are not taught on how to behave properly. Instead, we should give them counselling in which they can benefit.

I am not suggesting that discipline is ineffective in schools. While fundamental discipline like the prohibition of the use of foul language must be strictlyfollowed, the introduction of new discipline in a bid to stop a certain trend such as binging Tamagotchi to schools is not recommended. Disciplinary measures tailor-made for disobedient students would be counter-productive. These can just breed discontent among this small group of students. They may in effect act against the reles in protest. Moreover, this sounds strange and childish to make a new rule without serious consideration in face of a new trend.

Having more discipline in schools ruins a free learning environment in schools. As rules become more stringent, the flexibility of management of misbehaviours is reduced. This is also unfair for those who behave well as they face more and more discipline.

In conclusion, I cannot agree with the introduction of more discipline as it acts only to intensify the tension between students and school. On the contrary, counselling is very effective in the issue. Student counselling is a kind of guidance for students. This works by promoting the relationship between students and teachers and in this way, teachers can instill a correct moral value in students' mind. The process is low and lifelong, but it is effective. If we want students to behave properly, imposing servere punishment solely  is not a wise decision.