An estimated 1.2bn children are subject to this ‘harmful practice’ each year, affecting physical and mental wellbeing, report finds.
The World Health Organization has declared corporal punishment a global public health concern that causes serious harm to children’s physical and mental wellbeing, and can lead to criminal behaviour.
A new report found that across 49 low- and middle-income countries, children exposed to corporal punishment – defined as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light” – were 24% less likely to be developmentally on track than children who were not.
Globally, an estimated 1.2 billion children are subjected to corporal punishment each year. In the past month, 17% of all children exposed to corporal punishment suffered severe forms – such as being hit on the head, face or ears, or hit hard and repeatedly, said the report.
“There is now overwhelming scientific evidence that corporal punishment carries multiple risks to the health of children,” said Etienne Krug, director of the WHO department for health determinants, promotion and prevention. “It offers no benefits to the behaviour, development or wellbeing of children and no benefit to parents or societies either.
“Corporal punishment is a global public health concern – it’s time to end this harmful practice to ensure that children thrive at home and at school.”
Children exposed to corporal punishment are more likely to have anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and emotional instability, which continue into adulthood and can lead to alcohol and drug use, violent behaviour and suicide.
“There is now overwhelming scientific evidence that corporal punishment carries multiple risks to the health of children,” said Etienne Krug, director of the WHO department for health determinants, promotion and prevention. “It offers no benefits to the behaviour, development or wellbeing of children and no benefit to parents or societies either.
“Corporal punishment is a global public health concern – it’s time to end this harmful practice to ensure that children thrive at home and at school.”
Children exposed to corporal punishment are more likely to have anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and emotional instability, which continue into adulthood and can lead to alcohol and drug use, violent behaviour and suicide.
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