Learner Discipline in Crisis: Can South African Schools Overcome the Problem?

Discipline problems seem to exist in South African schools and the situation is getting worse and even out of hand, including bullying behavior. Traditional behavior management practices, including corporal punishment, are prohibited in South African schools. An area of concern is whether learner discipline policies and procedures are equitable, fair and effective. It is the school's role to ensure that all learners are aware of the reality, that while having rights, they also have corresponding responsibilities. Therefore, this qualitative critical review paper critically analyzes the concept of discipline and highlights the theories of approaches towards it. The paper, then in view of the critical review, draws some lessons on what strategies could be applicable to a South African school's context and makes some suggestions regarding dealing with discipline problems in schools