Our ancestors’s method of teaching included physical punishment. The teachers and parents of the old days used rods to beat their naughty pupils and children. Such punishment made them so afraid that they dared not make the same mistakes again. As a result, they became more polite, studious and obedient. The proverb ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ shows the above purpose.
Nowadays psychologist believe that physical punishment may lead to negative side-effects. Teenagers, when being beaten, may think that their dignity is violated. Therefore, they become obstinate and more difficult to teach. Some of them even respond to this severe penalty with such silly reactions as running away from their homes or committing suicide.
In my opinion, physical punishment may be necessary in some cases, especially for young children. It should not be carried out on teenagers and grown-ups.