But the recent popularity of the novel The Slap, by Christos Tsiolkas, is indicative of just how taboo physically disciplining a child (especially someone else’s) has become – a move lamented by some. As punitive measures have been rejected over the past decade, new models of behavior management in schools have surfaced. But are they working?
According to NSW Department of Education and Training statistics for government schools last year, almost 3.5 percent of students in the year 7-10 range received at least one long suspension (up to and including 20 days). A long suspension follows a serious incident, usually involving physical violence, weapons, or possession of an illegal substance. Most long suspensions, 74 per cent, came from this age group, followed by 21 per cent from kindergarten to year 6. The number of long suspensions has steadily grown over recent years as a percentage of enrolments.