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A recent video from one of the schools in Andijan has sparked outrage on social media. The footage shows several schoolgirls standing in the school foyer, in front of their classmates and teachers, forced to squat. The reason for this public humiliation was simply being late for class. This incident took place at School No. 5 in Andijan. According to witnesses, such “punishments” for tardiness have long been a common practice at this educational institution. Anyone who arrives late for lessons is subjected to similar physical punishment, which, according to the teachers, is supposed to remind students of the importance of punctuality.
Humiliation Instead of Education: What Is This?
Many might say there’s nothing wrong with squats: “What’s so bad about squatting? It’s just a physical exercise!” But the issue is not the physical exercise itself, it’s the method of punishment. This is not about caring for students’ physical development, but about public humiliation in front of their peers.
This is a method of suppression that leaves a mark not only on the body but also on the soul. Public humiliation is not just physical exertion; it’s psychological pressure that can break even the strongest child. And if we want to raise confident, responsible citizens, this method certainly won’t achieve that.
Why Are Such Punishments Unacceptable?
Every child deserves respectful treatment. Education is not just about knowledge; it’s also about personal development. But how can a personality grow in an atmosphere of fear and humiliation? School should be a place where a child feels supported, where they are helped to overcome difficulties, not put down for every mistake.
Yes, being late is a violation of the rules, but no rules justify such methods of punishment. There are other, much more productive ways to address this: talking to students, discussing the reasons for being late, and helping them organize their time. But public squats in front of everyone? Definitely not!
What’s Next?
After the video went viral, the situation attracted the attention of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights. And rightly so. As noted by the ombudsman’s office, such actions violate children’s constitutional rights, constituting public humiliation that undermines their dignity.
“Such unacceptable actions cannot go unpunished,” the ombudsman’s statement emphasizes.
Public humiliation and physical punishment are methods that should have no place in modern education. Every child has the right to respect, dignity, and fair treatment. No one has the right to deprive them of these fundamental rights. We, as adults, must do everything to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
This case is a wake-up call for the entire education system. We need to rethink the methods of upbringing in schools, creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. It’s also important that parents are not afraid to protect their children and turn to rights defenders and authorities if their children’s rights are violated.
Let’s remember: our children are the future of the country. And they deserve the best!
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article
