This article focuses on the recent controversy over an incident in a Japanese elementary school, where a child was made to grovel or "sit dogeza" as a form of punishment. The action has been deemed abusive by child welfare advocates who argue such cases of humiliation negatively affect the child's psychological well-being. The incident has sparked a larger debate about discipline practices in Japan's schools.

In Japan, the practice of dogeza, which involves kneeling and bowing to the ground as a display of deep apology or respect, is seen as a traditional form of humility. However, forcing someone, especially a child, to dogeza is generally frowned upon as it could represent a power harassment. The public's reactions are mixed with some defending this as a form of discipline and others decrying it as a violation of children's rights.

In contrast, in the west such as in the United States or European countries, forcing a child to apologize in a humiliating manner, like groveling, could be considered as inappropriate and may not be deemed acceptable as a disciplinary method. Schools in these countries typically employ different tactics for enforcing discipline, such as detention or counseling.