Private schools are the least likely to refer to Agenzija Appogg in cases of possible child abuse or in the use of corporal punishment compared to other schools, Aġenzija Appoġġ services manager Roberta Agius revealed.
Agius was being interviewed by Rachel Attard, editor-in-chief of The Malta Independent on the latest INDEPTH programme. On 31 May and 1 June, the President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society is holding a High Level Global conference on the Universal Prohibition of Corporal Punishment.
Corporal punishment, by definition, is a punishment intended to cause physical pain, most often minors. Traditionally, Agius explains, the idea of such punishment has been passed down from one generation to the other, such that not too long ago it was quite normal to "smack your child on the arm, the bottom or run after them with a wooden spoon".
Corporal punishment in Malta is illegal; amendments to the law passed by Parliament in 2014 to completely eradicate any form of corporal punishment on children made it a criminal offence. Prior to the amendments, the law had allowed the use of "moderate" corporal punishment within the concept of lawful correction.
Corporal punishment in Malta still exists at all levels of society. However, "certain families, who consider themselves of a higher class, find it easier to hide the abuse because even if they do seek help, they probably do it privately and do not come to Appogg." Agius added that more work needed to be done with regard to private schools contacting Agenzija Appogg. "More work needs to be done with private schools so that they tell us immediately if they see any of the signs. It is clear in the national policy that they should and generally they don't as much as other schools," she said.
Asked how well equipped teachers and schools are at identifying the use of corporal punishment and more seriously child abuse, Agius confirmed that teachers and schools are taught about child safety services and the signals which they need to look for in students. "You need to see the child as a whole. Was she/he always quiet and their character suddenly changes completely? Have they become unexpectedly aggressive with other children? How often do they come to school? Has their packed lunch changed? Are they still being given a packed lunch? Are the parents involved in school activities, do they attend parents day; are they showing interest? Is the child neglected? Do they have a dirty uniform for example?" she said. The school needs to be sensitive to all this Agius noted, adding that the child needs to be looked at holistically. "Does the family have support? What is the financial situation at home? Is the family excluded from society? Is the neighbourhood safe?"
Reactions from social media
The use of corporal punishment on children has resulted in quite a debate on social media. The response to the INDEPTH interview with Aġenzija Appoġġ services manager Roberta Agius provoked mixed results. At least half of the comments supported the use of "a smack on the hand" or "a pat on the bottom". Both mothers and teachers said that before students "were smacked on the hand if they did not obey. And guess what? They were respectful, obedient and academically better". Others argued how difficult it is to discipline a toddler with just words and asked for an alternative to corporal punishment.
"I will never advocate violence but a little smack on the hand while uttering the word No and meaning it shouldn't be considered abuse" one commentator said.
Another comment noted that abuse from parents was not just smacking but also the violent language parents have been heard saying in public such as "I'll rip your head off" along with swearing. Many comments on social media spoke out against corporal punishment on children questioning why these same adults would not smack an adult but then smack children. Others remarked that smacking a child shows loss of control and lack of role models with one comment stating: "Don't do what you don't want your children to do".
Watch the full programme at www.independent.com.mt