Nigerian comedian and actor, Bovi Ugboma, has taken a firm stance against the practice of beating children as a form of correction. Speaking during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Bovi shared his views on parenting, discipline, and the harmful culture of corporal punishment.
Bovi’s Thoughts on Beating Children
Addressing the issue, Bovi made it clear that he does not support hitting children, no matter their offence. For him, the act of beating is more about the adult’s frustration than the child’s correction.
“I don’t advocate for beating children. You should let children be. When you hit a kid, are you really trying to correct them or are you frustrated?”
Bovi’s statement challenges a long-standing cultural norm in many Nigerian households where corporal punishment is seen as a necessary tool for discipline.
Questioning the Culture of Seniority in Schools
In addition to addressing discipline at home, Bovi also criticized the culture of senior students punishing their junior colleagues in schools, a system deeply ingrained in Nigerian primary and secondary schools.
“No child should be given authority over another child in the name of ‘senior student.’ It really has to stop,” he declared.
This practice, often normalized as part of school culture, has sparked debates over the years due to instances of bullying, abuse, and unfair treatment. Bovi’s comments highlight the need to re-evaluate traditional systems of discipline and authority among students.
Promoting Healthier Parenting and School Systems
Bovi’s remarks contribute to a larger conversation about alternative methods of correcting children’s behavior, such as open communication, counseling, and understanding child psychology. Experts and child advocates increasingly emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement over punitive measures, as physical discipline has been shown to negatively impact children’s mental and emotional health.
His criticism of the school “seniority” system also resonates with ongoing campaigns to address bullying and abuse in Nigerian schools, encouraging a healthier and more inclusive environment for students.
A Call for Change
Bovi Ugboma’s stance on beating children and school authority systems challenges traditional practices and calls for more thoughtful, effective ways of instilling discipline in children. His perspective serves as a reminder that discipline should come from a place of guidance and understanding, not frustration or abuse.
As more public figures like Bovi speak up on these critical issues, it paves the way for much-needed conversations about modern parenting, child rights, and the reform of outdated practices in schools.
Do you agree with Bovi’s stance that children don’t deserve beating? Let’s rethink the way we correct and guide the next generation.
