NOPCA promotes alternative methods of discipline

It’s an issue most parents grapple with every time one of their children does something that requires discipline…how to punish without using physical force. In a two-day conference, the National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse met with parents and teachers to discuss alternative ways of disciplining children. According to Minister of Education Cordel Hyde, hitting and spanking cannot be tolerated in the schools for the simple reason that they violate the rights of a child. Lorna McDougall, executive director of NOPCA, says Belizean children appear to be in “great distress”. The participants of the conference will be discussing methods that have proven useful elsewhere and ways that would allow the discipline a child receives in school to be consistent with that received at home. The conference is being held at the Belmopan Convention Hotel.