Today, if a parent smacks a child mid-tantrum in the supermarket, they are likely to get looks of disapproval from other shoppers. Smacking is not as socially acceptable as it used to be. Recent research shows only 15% of people aged 16-24 view physical discipline as necessary to properly raise children. This compares with 38% of people […] … learn more→

When parents and educators discuss school discipline, one of the things that comes up most are “zero tolerance” policies. This term is often misused and misunderstood, according to new research I published recently. Zero tolerance policies are also thought to be widespread. But, my work and a recent report show they are actually less common than frequently thought. Zero […] … learn more→

The multiplication of acts of violence against teachers on the one hand, and the vote of the Assembly on a bill prohibiting spanking on the other hand, are an acute problem of the educational authority. A re-examination of this notion is necessary. In this respect, Hegel’s teaching texts can be of great help. As Durkheim pointed out , authority is the […] … learn more→