10. Strict and Punitive Discipline
In Victorian England, discipline both at home and in schools was often severe and humiliating. Corporal punishment, including caning and beating, was a routine part of a child’s upbringing. For instance, in schools, children were expected to keep still and speak only when spoken to. A common form of punishment was the cane, with the number of strokes varying depending on the offense and the teacher’s mood. Teachers maintained punishment books, listing the child’s wrongdoing and the corresponding punishment. Such strict discipline was believed to instill good behavior and moral values in children (bbc.co.uk).
