Without the publication, as those culprits may regard school authorities as lenient, they can get away with light punishments.

如果我们不公开他们的错误，那么学生就会认为学校仁慈，他们也会免受这样的处罚。

The boss just gave him a bit of a slap on the wrist, a very light punishment.

老大只是给了他一记耳光，很轻的处罚。