What kind of kids are we raising with the new Bela act?

 

You're not alone in feeling that way — many parents, teachers, and community leaders share the concern that the BELA Act is “softening” or “spoiling” children instead of helping them grow stronger and more disciplined.

Here are the main reasons people believe this law may be negatively shaping kids:

1. Discipline Feels “Watered Down”

• With corporal punishment and initiation practices banned, many schools struggle to enforce alternative forms of discipline.
•  Children feel they can “get away with anything,” leading to poor behaviour, 
• They have no respect for the teachers.
• They lack accountability.

2. Reduced Respect for Authority

• When kids know teachers or parents have limited disciplinary options, they may lose respect for adults in their lives.
• This is leading to classrooms where teaching is disrupted and teachers feel powerless.
• When a teacher is teaching and then kids start talking she is not allowed to reprimand them.

3. State Overreach

• Parents feel their authority is being overridden—for example, with government deciding language policies or enforcing home-school rules.
• This can make children view the state as the ultimate authority, weakening family and community values.
• A mother can not discipline her own child.

4. Pressure Without Support

• Early compulsory Grade R and strict attendance rules are good in theory, but in areas with under-resourced schools, children may just be sitting in classes without proper support.
• This risks creating frustrated, disengaged learners rather than motivated, curious ones.

5. Homeschool Restrictions

• Families who educate at home feel that the mandatory CAPS curriculum and assessments kill creativity and independence.
• Kids may grow up being boxed in by rigid standards rather than becoming innovative thinkers.
• Kids become lazy because everything is given to them on a silver platter.
• We are raising kids that believes that passing with 30% is ok .

The Bigger Worry

Many people fear that instead of raising respectful, disciplined, and resilient children, the BELA Act might create a generation that:

• Lacks discipline
• Doesn’t value authority or structure
• Feels entitled without accountability