School rules define the expected standards of conduct, but teenagers in general do not like restrictions, and being told what to do is viewed as oppressive. However, school rules are important in maintaining discipline in school and providing a safe and conducive environment for learning. If we give students more freedom when deciding school rules, students will modify the rules to further their self-interest. Thus, I think that in deciding school rules, “student rights” is subordinate to the greater good of the student population.
Students may claim that school rules do not acknowledge their right to freedom of expression. An example will be the compulsory school uniform. By forcing them into conformity and uniformity, students may feel that their personal and social space is restricted. However, uniforms foster a sense of unity, commitment and pride. They also provide a better learning environment by reducing the threat of violence and the sense of inferiority or superiority. From a utilitarian point of view, uniforms are beneficial to students.
Corporal punishment is still remains commonplace in Singapore. Some students regard it as tantamount to physical abuse, and call for the abolishment of school caning or less rigorous enforcement. However, school caning is needed to maintain strict discipline and a last resort after all avenues to correct the students such as detention and suspension have been exhausted. It is an effective way to deal with serious offences such as fighting, smoking and truancy, and protects students from going down the wrong path by teaching them what is safe and what is not.
The rise of the citizen journalist has led to a platform for students to vent their frustration over their “inappropriate” school rules. Due to the prevalence of social media, anything uploaded onto the Internet would be seen by virtually anyone in the world, thus seriously damaging the school’s hard-earned reputation. This issue brings to question if giving students more autonomy when deciding school rules will help solve the problem. However, the posting of irresponsible remarks on avenues like STOMP is already a serious offence. Students need to know that the decision of the School Authority is final, and that any comments should be kept to themselves. If the school softens its stance, it would lead to a vicious cycle of increasingly outrageous demands and concessions.
In conclusion, the consequentialist approach should be taken when deciding school rules, whether it is regarding freedom of expression, corporal punishment or irresponsible comments on STOMP. Freedom may progress to disorderliness, and in the end, everyone shares responsibility for the way things go. Better conservative than radical!
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