Caning is normal in school

When I read this news, this sentence jumped up at me....

"I was told that the teacher caned the boy for failing to do his homework. That is a normal thing to do."

I do not wish to speculate about the case. It is just this sentence that I am uncomfortable and feel sad about. I wonder why it has to be this way. Why do kids get caned for forgetting to bring their work books or for not completing their homework. I do not support caning in schools for these reasons. If caning is for stealing, cheating or more serious misbehaviour than perhaps it could be more justified.

I never understand why teachers have to strike fear in the hearts of the young in order to control them. Quite often I've been told, there is no choice, it is the only way to control them. The class is so big. It is a sad situation. Why do they work on the premise of punishment rather than reward?

My girl dislikes school because of the fierce teachers but when the same fierce teachers praise her work, she would be so delighted and motivated to work so much harder. Reward is the way to go, not punishment. Sigh.