DISTRICT CONSULTATIONS REPORTS CHAPTER 2: CORPORAL PUNISHMENT Challenges ? Children, especially those not staying with their parents such as step children and school children, are subjected to corporal punishment. Recommendations ? Adults should treat children fairly and corporal punishment should be abolished. ? School authorities should restrict excessive discipline by teachers. CHILD ABUSE Challenges ? Sexual harassment and insults at schools by teachers and boys. ? Children are being raped and forced into early child marriages as a result of religious and customary practices. Child pledging is rampant in Gutu and children are being regarded as objects for wealth accumulation. Recommendations ? Children should report sexual harassment and rape to police and School Development Committees. ? Those who marry under age children should be arrested. ? The law must provide for heavy punishment of the offenders. CHILD LABOUR Challenges ? Children are subjected to child labour and exploitation. Recommendations ? Those who employ child domestic workers or perpetrate any form of child labour should be arrested. GOVERNANCE Challenges ? Children are not safe because of political violence during elections. Recommendations ? Children should be protected from politics. THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD Challenges ? Children are being left out in issues that affect them. Recommendations ? Children must have the right to speak and express their opinions freely, and have freedom after speech. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE Challenges ? Many children are engaging in drug and alcohol abuse. Recommendations ? School authorities should provide guidance and counselling in schools so that children would stop drug and alcohol abuse. ? Adults must not sell or drink beer in the presence of children. CHILD PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS Children's consultations CONSOLIDATED REPORT 47