Corporal punishment most often refers to affecting children, but can refer to any penalties inflicted by parents, carers or teachers intended to cause some degree of discomfort. It can happen in the home or in a more public environment such as the school classroom.
But wherever it happens, this kind of punishment has extensive effects, including increased risk of anxiety and depression in addition to reduced cognitive and socio-emotional development.
“[Corporal punishment] Offering no benefits of behavior, development or well -being for children and no benefit to parents or communities“Said Etienne Krug, director of the WHO’s Department of Health Determinants.
No evidence that it works
Over the past decades, many studies have investigated the effects of corporate sentences and no one has found that it has a positive impact on children or their behavior. In contrast, many have found that it has many long-term negative health impacts on children as individuals and communities as a whole.
“There is now overwhelming scientific evidence that Corporal punishment carries more risks for children’s health“Said Mrs. Krug.
A study conducted in 49 countries with low and middle income found that children who are punished are 24 percent less likely to be developmentally on the field with their peers.
In addition to causing immediate physical injury, this type of punishment increases children’s hormonal stress levels, which can actually change brain structure and function. In short, the effect at individual level can be lifelong according to the report.
From a societal perspective, children who are themselves physically punished are also more likely to do the same for their own offspring, creating a middle generation cycle of violence. Similarly, adults who were punished as children are more likely to develop violent, criminal and aggressive behavior.
“Practice [of corporal punishment] also burns a wider social acceptance of violence, enhances harmful cycles across generations“Said the report.
There is no evidence that corporate punishment is effective in changing children’s behavior.
Regional differences
While corporate punishment is widespread throughout the world and across cultures, regional variations continue.
In Europe and Central Asia, for example, approx. 41 percent of children for corporate sentences in homes compared to 75 percent in the Middle East and North Africa.
The difference is even greater in schools – only 25 percent of children in the western Pacific experience company punishment during their schooling compared to over 70 percent in Africa and Central America.
Girls and boys are almost as likely to experience company punishment, although they can experience punishment for different behaviors and in different manners.
However, children with disabilities have an increased risk of suffering from corporate sentences. In addition, poor communities and those experiencing financial or racial discrimination are more likely to practice company punishment.
More than politics
The report emphasizes that prohibition on company penalties is important but not enough. In fact, studies have found that there is no consistent correlation between legal prohibitions and reduced rates in physical punishment.
Currently, 67 countries all over the world has universal ban on corporate penaltiesBoth at home and in school. In addition to better enforcement of these prohibitions, calling for new education campaigns to strengthen the damage it can cause.
“Continued use of company punishment and sustained belief in the need for its use despite legal prohibitions, suggests that the efforts to adopt and enforce such laws must be accompanied by campaigns to raise awareness,” the report said.
Studies suggest that if parents knew alternative and more effective methods of punishment for children, they would use them.
“It’s time to end this harmful practice to make sure children thrive at home and in school,” said Mrs. Krug.
