The flawed perception of discipline in Bangladeshi education institutions

School students in Bangladesh dread the term "discipline". While for some, it's a method of dealing with the unreasonable chaos inscribed within the education system, for most it's something forcing its way into their lives, coercing them into a fit that simply doesn't account for their size.

So, what exactly has left discipline in the suffocating shell of a ghost that it is today?

Realistically, the discipline that set out with greater intentions could never live up to the billing. It simply became another set of tools that institutions would misuse to fit everyone into their own idealisms.

Discipline in Bangladesh is usually the enforcement of unreasonable codes as rules. "Disciplining a student" stands as an intimidating expression for chiselling them into a common form as they chip away at all that makes them special. This problematic one-size-fits-all view of discipline has been normalised almost everywhere in Bangladesh.

The focus of discipline has largely shifted to physical appearance over behaviour. The generalisation of a definite look being imposed on everyone is a complicated idea that harms an individual's uniqueness. With the idea of standing out being forsaken, the youth is cornered into cutting down on anything outside of the norm. This is the reality of today's discipline. An individual's freedom is seemingly taken away when schools shove down their idea of a disciplined look.

The youth life in Dhaka warrants plenty of small mistakes. One of them, which shouldn't be as big of a deal, is accidentally failing to adhere to the school's uniform and appearance guidelines. But extreme strictness is shown for such acts. Often, students are severely punished for this even when they aren't frequent to the deed.

"While I do find that imposing a proper uniform-wearing policy is justifiable, schools do tend to take it too far," said Rahima Khan*, a student of class 11 at Viqarunnisa Noon School & College.

Rahima recalled how her teachers were verbally aggressive towards her when she had forgotten her hair band one day at school, albeit her regular obedience to the rules otherwise.

"Of course, it's mandatory to follow the rules, but sometimes people trying to keep up with the rapidly progressing life tend to miss a few things, which shouldn't be looked at so harshly," she added.

The hyper fixation of school authorities on hair length is another debatable topic. 

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The problem with too much discipline in schools

"We've had teachers kicking us out of exam halls or handing us our questions late because of not having an army haircut," said Arthito Addoy Adhip, a student of class 11 at Dhaka Residential Model College.

"While punishment for breaking rules is bound to be handed out, going to such extremes for such small matters puts unimaginable suffering on students," he added.

An individual's hairstyle is a unique, personal, and expressional aspect of them. It is a fraction of their identity and it is no crime to wish to stylise or grow it however they want. It doesn't define nor radically change their behavioural patterns, let alone any academic influence. Forcing it, however, has repercussions.

Cutting hair forcefully can mentally scar a student, leaving their sense of self-worth damaged and leaving a taste of powerlessness that simply can't be comprehended healthily.

The list of unreasonable acts sheltered under discipline's grace keeps going on. Wahid Ahmed*, a student of class 10 at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, shared how they'd been met with disturbing remarks for missing school.

"While I do agree that some students deliberately skip school, how could school authorities be so harsh to every absent student? Not being able to show a proper application the very next day is natural, especially if it concerns illness, a relative's death, or similar serious matters," he said.

Wahid added, "They can give them school work or small-scale punishments for faults like these, but teachers and authorities reportedly continue to verbally hound and punish these students."

Additionally, Rahima mentioned how lavatory break restrictions make students feel uncomfortable. Wahid added on the absurd winter uniform codes disallowing any winter apparel outside of the school ones and warranting a confiscation upon violation. Adhip explained how the restriction of sports essentials for earlier grades in an institution abundant with playfields felt unnecessary.

Doing anything against their will impacts a minor's autonomy, potentially damaging a significant development period. It enforces them into an "encaged" scenario, and in no way does it fall under well-being.

Such problems aren't aligned only with some selective schools, rather it's a holistic issue. Schools need to rethink and reinvigorate discipline. Healthy discipline can be a very effective tool in studying and learning professionalism for young individuals. It can help find safety in learning while forcing it does the opposite.

According to an article published in the Bangkok Post, adolescent medicine specialist Dr Jiraporn Arunakul shared how strict regulation of hairstyles is not related to disciplinary training. She also suggests that one's hairstyle is not an indicator of their learning efficiency.

Noor Alam*, a teacher at DPS STS School Dhaka, shared his sentiments on discipline and how it could be healthy.

"In educational institutions, where young minds learn to grow, nothing should be taken to an extreme. A healthy balance can be maintained for discipline, in a way that is reasonable and goes beyond the one-glove-fits-all perspective," said Alam, "Educational institutions should prioritise a healthy and comfortable learning environment for students before anything else. The door to obtaining knowledge with safety must not be shut due to needless punishments in the name of discipline."

*Names have been changed upon request

References:

1. Quizlet. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

2. CSBA (2021). Study on exclusionary discipline shows long-term negative effects on students.

3. Bangkok Post (2022). Forced haircuts 'belittle kids' self-esteem'.

Shaikh Sabik Kamal needs to sleep. Send him something to sleep to at [email protected]