The inquiry considered that community accountability conferencing has considerable potential as a means of dealing effectively with school disputes and of reducing exclusion rates. It promotes a contextual approach to problem solving and may help to stop behavioural difficulties from escalating. It was recommended that the national standards for school discipline should provide conferencing models appropriate for use in schools. Historically the law has permitted teachers to administer corporal punishment to students as 'lawful correction'. Corporal punishment remains lawful in some Australian jurisdictions although most States and Territories have limited the practice by legislation, regulation or policy.
Children deserve the same level of protection from assaults as adults.
Corporal punishment conveys unfortunate signals to children about the way legal processes work and fits poorly with the principle that school discipline should be administered in a manner with the child's dignity. The Australian College of Paediatrics policy statement on corporal punishment highlighted the long-term adverse effects on some children as a result of this practice as well as its general ineffectiveness in encouraging more responsible behaviour. Submissions to the inquiry indicated broad support for the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools. Implementing the recommendations The recommendations in Seen and heard , if taken seriously, will enhance the quality of education for many students, will make the legal processes in education fairer and more participative and will help children and young people gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Teachers have a very important role to play in implementing these reforms.