“When does discipline become abuse? Did the teacher who used a cane deserve to be shamed on social media?”

Recently, an incident at one of the well-known schools in Sierra Leone has ignited intense debate across social media platforms. The story involves a school teacher accused of punishing a student with a cane—a disciplinary method once widely accepted but now increasingly controversial. The incident quickly went viral, exposing the teacher to harsh public scrutiny and criticism. But the question remains: Did that teacher deserve such treatment as shown on social media?

What Happened?

On May 15, 2025, around 10 a.m., a delegation of top officials from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education conducted an unannounced visit to a prominent secondary school in Freetown. The team included Deputy Minister of Education, Mrs. Fatmata Kamara, and Director of Secondary Education, Mr. Abdul Sesay. The visit was reportedly prompted by a tip-off from concerned parents about the use of corporal punishment at the school.

Among those present was Mrs. Aminata Bangura, a “JC” (Junior Citizen) who had travelled abroad—possibly from the United States—and returned home. She is believed to have raised concerns after claiming her child, or a relative’s child, was flogged by a teacher. This accusation spread quickly on social media, sparking public outrage.

The African Context: Discipline and Respect

In Sierra Leone and many African communities, the use of the cane as a disciplinary tool was a long-standing tradition. Generations grew up with this form of discipline, which was generally accepted by parents and teachers alike as a way to instil respect, seriousness, and good behaviour. For many adults today, these methods contributed positively to their education and character development.

Parents often appreciated teachers who enforced discipline through corporal punishment, believing it was necessary to guide children on the right path. This cultural acceptance reflects a different societal perspective on child-rearing compared to Western standards.

Western Influence and Changing Perspectives

With increased exposure to Western culture, which largely rejects corporal punishment, attitudes are shifting in Sierra Leone. International human rights standards and child protection laws promote non-violent discipline, emphasizing counselling and positive reinforcement instead.

While these changes aim to protect children’s rights, they sometimes clash with local cultural norms, creating confusion and tension. The viral condemnation of the teacher raises the question of whether Western cultural standards are being imposed without full regard for the African context.

Did the Teacher Deserve Such Treatment?

The viral nature of the incident on social media has subjected the teacher to public humiliation and harsh judgment. However, it is important to ask if this level of exposure and condemnation was fair or warranted.

This teacher has volunteered for years, dedicating his life to educating young minds despite limited resources. The public shaming on social media not only threatens his professional reputation but also affects his family’s dignity and wellbeing.

In light of the cultural background where corporal punishment was once normative and supported by many parents, is it just to vilify a teacher for enforcing discipline by methods still familiar to many older Sierra Leoneans?

The Impact of Social Media and Public Perception

Social media amplifies events rapidly but often without full context. The quick spread of the story may have stripped away the nuances, leading to a rush to judgment. While accountability is essential, fairness and due process must not be sacrificed.

The teacher’s image has been damaged in a way that could deter others from taking on such critical roles in education. This raises concerns about how we balance protecting students’ rights with supporting and respecting teachers.

Are Authorities Performing or Genuinely Protecting?

The high-level visitation may have been triggered by influential parents seeking quick action. Sometimes, officials act visibly to demonstrate responsiveness, which may not always lead to fair outcomes.

A Call for Reflection

Sierra Leoneans are urged to reflect on these issues: How do we balance child protection with cultural values? Are we adopting Western norms wholesale without adaptation? What impact does public shaming of teachers have on the education system?

Let’s seek constructive dialogue rather than condemnation, aiming for solutions that respect our heritage while protecting children and supporting teachers.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 9TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)