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Summary: Participants debated whether physical and
humiliating punishment is an appropriate
means to discipline children. The facilitators
shared with participants that corporal
punishment is a socially and legally acceptable
form of violence against children in most
countries throughout the world. They gave
convincing arguments as to its negative impact
Physical and psychological punishment does not teach children to be good
citizens. March 11, 2005.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- Participants debated whether physical and
humiliating punishment is an appropriate means to discipline children
during a 3-day workshop held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The facilitators
shared with participants that corporal punishment is a socially and legally
acceptable form of violence against children in most countries throughout
the world. They gave convincing arguments as to its negative impact. It
can cause serious physical and psychological harm; it teaches children that
violence is an acceptable strategy to solve conflicts; research proves it to
be an ineffective discipline strategy and has a negative impact on school
performance. Finally, physical and humiliating punishment increases the
use of violence in society.
Most children around the world say that they are regularly exposed to
corporal punishment in schools and homes. The picture in East and Central
Africa mirrors the global situation. For example, recent studies in Ethiopia
and Uganda reveal that approximately 98% of children are subjected to
corporal punishment in schools. But what is the impact of this
institutionalized violence? This deep-rooted practice is an underlying cause
of many problems including school drop-out, children living on the street,
and juvenile delinquency.
“If I want to correct an adult’s behavior, do I have the right to hit him or
her? Absolutely not! Why should it be different for children? Physical and
humiliating punishment is a violation of children’s human rights to physical
integrity, human dignity and equal protection under the law. Children are
humans too” said Mali Nilsson, the Chair of the International Save the
Children Alliance Task Group on Corporal/Physical Punishment and Other
Forms of Humiliating or Degrading Punishment.
Only 13 countries have laws prohibiting corporal punishment both in
schools, institutions and homes. Ninety-two countries have laws
prohibiting it in the school setting. Constitutions in Ethiopia and Kenya, for
example, make corporal punishment in schools illegal. However, this
prohibition does not stop corporal punishment in practice. None of the
countries in the region legally prohibit physical and humiliating punishment
of children in the home.
It is a common myth that hitting children is a positive way to teach respect
and discipline. In the workshop, the participants identified a variety of
alternatives to physical and humiliating punishment that could be effective
in disciplining children such as:
Reward children for good behavior rather than always punishing bad
behavior.
Discuss with children about the problem before taking action .
Establish rules in collaboration with children so they have ownership of
them.
Clearly state limits and rules and consistently enforce them in a non-violent
way.
Criticize the negative behavior, not the child.
Be impeccable role models and show children how to behave non-
aggressively.
The participants from Ethiopia, Sweden, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda,
Somaliland, Yemin, South Africa and Pakistan were representing
government ministries, courts, medical institutions, and NGOs. They drew
up action plans to end physical and humiliating punishment; specifically
how to improve legislation, and stop it in schools, homes and institutions.
Participants agreed that non-violent and positive approaches to discipline
are most effective. They will return to their respective countries and
highlight the negative effects of physical and humiliating punishment to
create safe environments in schools and homes.
For more information, please contact:
Alebel Derib
Senior Programme Officer
Save the Children Sweden
Eastern and Central Africa
Tel: +251 1 21 09 60
E-mail: [email protected]
Mali Nilsson
Chair of the International Save the Children Alliance Task Group on
Corporal/Physical Punishment and Other Forms of Humiliating or Degrading
Punishment.
Save the Children Sweden
Tel: +46 8 6989000
E-mail: [email protected]