Do teachers have the right to discipline students?

Editor's note: The Ministry of Education issued a notice on Nov 22, soliciting public opinions on a draft regulation that gives teachers the right to discipline students. According to the regulation, primary and middle school teachers are allowed to criticize and mete out proper punishment on students who violate school discipline, social order, laws and rules, as well as those who cause chaos or disrupt the lesson. Should teachers be allowed to discipline students? Readers share their opinions.

sunnylin01 (China)

Teachers should be prudent in disciplining students. They can punish a student without violence but hurt the child psychologically for the rest of his life. My daughter's teacher makes students who forget to bring homework stand for an hour at their seats where they are forbidden to sit. I do believe the aim is to humiliate the student and it is not acceptable.