In an episode of The Simpsons, Bart Simpson famously wrote on the blackboard, "No one wants to hear from my armpits." Another time, he declared that "Cursive writing does not mean what I think it does," demonstrating his hilarious but inappropriate use of language. However, Bart’s most socially relevant line was when he asked, "Does any kid do this anymore?"
While Bart may not be writing lines as punishment anymore, that method is being employed in Yorkshire in an attempt to deter parents from illegally parking outside schools. Offenders can either pay a £30 fine or write out sentences such as, "I will not park in a position that causes danger to the children of the school." Writing lines is currently the only method of punishment being employed, but it would not be surprising if more severe penalties were enacted in the future, as in the past, British society has often resorted to bizarre methods of shaming criminals and preventing repeated offenses.
While writing lines may seem like a good idea for punishment, I am not convinced. I, for one, have never experienced writing lines, since I was a studious Martin Prince type of student instead of a Bart Simpson. My only punishment anecdote involves a student teacher who made me roll in mud after accidentally kicking a ball in his face. Since then, I have despised rugby and student teachers, proving that shaming doesn’t always work, but rather has unintended consequences.
However, writing lines as punishment is an imaginative attempt at solving an issue, and it is being used in place of more humiliating options such as "vests of shame," in which offenders were required to wear orange tabards while serving community sentences.
While the early feedback indicates that the lines punishment has improved some behaviours, it remains to be seen if the practice will be consistently effective, especially since Britons are known for their stubbornness. Furthermore, no one seems to be protesting the fact that writing lines is an archaic form of punishment that may be painful, humiliating, and contrary to modern human rights laws, particularly for the younger generation who may lack the penmanship skills. Additionally, it remains to be seen if writing out sentences repeatedly on paper is an effective means of deterrence, as it is doubtful that any child has ever committed to stopping nose picking in class after writing "I will not pick my nose in class" one hundred times.
So, how can we solve the issue of unauthorized parking near our educational institutions? Frankly, I am uncertain about the solution being experimented in East Yorkshire. I am reminded of Bart Simpson’s repetitive messages on Mrs Krabappel’s board, who claimed that the punishment was neither dull nor purposeless.
Could writing lines have a positive impact? You may find out by visiting theguardian.com/education/mortarboard.
