Is the ‘Naughty’ label not nice?

Isolating a child by sending them to the ‘naughty corner’ or ‘naughty step’ has been an effective way to promote discipline since the banning of smacking, and was introduced by Super Nanny, Jo Frost.

It was also once a popular way for nursery teachers to discipline misbehaving toddlers.

But the “naughty step” is becoming a thing of the past, with nurseries saying that they no longer use the term due to its “negative connotations”.

The majority (60 per cent) of nurseries said they do not agree with having a “naughty step”, according to a poll of 1,000 owners, managers and staff conducted by the review site daynurseries.co.uk.

The survey found that 74 per cent rejected the use of the“naughty step” – where children are asked to sit in a particular place and reflect on their actions – as a method for controlling bad behaviour.

Apparently, labelling a child as ‘naughty’ may cause them to view themselves in a negative light, Instead, we should invite children to consider the consequences of their actions in a mature, grown-up discussion.

What are your views on discipline?  How did you discipline your own children and how do you discipline your grandchildren? How do you feel about using the word ‘naughty’ to highlight unacceptable behaviour? What are your views on levels of discipline in general with today’s children?