The Role of Media in Reducing the Use of Corporal Punishment in Dodoma Schools in Tanzania

Epiphan Frances Mwashiuya & Zawadi Richard Juma
St John’s University of Tanzania
Email: epiphanf3@gmail.com

Abstract: Corporal punishment in schools has become one of escalating problematic global human rights issues. Nevertheless, the number of studies worldwide media had been reported to reduce corporal punishment in schools. However, in Tanzania, especially in Dodoma City, the contribution of media in reducing corporal punishment is not well known. This study was set to find out the role played by the media in the reduction of the use of corporal punishment in Dodoma secondary schools. The study explored teachers’ and students’ perceptions on various services offered through media regarding the reduction of corporal punishments in the City of Dodoma. It examined challenges that are contributing to the resistance in the reduction of corporal punishment in the City of Dodoma. The study was guided by the mixed approach, with the sample size of 99 respondents. The methods used for collecting data were interview, and questionnaire. The findings revealed that, 62% of the respondents affirmed that, the media had significantly contributed to reduction of corporal punishment in schools. The study concluded that, the distribution of message against corporal punishment was reported positively by 58% of the respondents. Among the most dominating challenges that constrain the reduction of corporal punishments as revealed by this study consist of society’s culture, which was mentioned by 67% of the respondents, and the lack of educational awareness as perceived by 75% of the respondents. It is therefore recommended that education needs to be provided in order to raise awareness on the reduction of corporal punishment in schools.