What if everything we thought we knew about discipline was wrong? It’s time to rewrite the rules of parenting. A silent epidemic is gripping homes worldwide, and the WHO is finally breaking the silence. New research confirms that corporal punishment isn’t just discipline, it’s a critical public health threat, harming children’s well-being for years to come.
What is Corporal Punishment?
Corporal punishment is the intentional use of physical force with the aim of causing pain or discomfort to discipline or correct unacceptable behavior. It includes spanking, hitting, slapping, pinching, or any physical force used to cause pain as punishment for misbehavior.
Home and school settings often use this type of negative reinforcement.
Key Findings of the WHO Report
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that corporal punishment remains alarmingly widespread and causes significant harm to children’s health and development.
The report titled Corporal punishment of children: the public health impact, highlights that children most at risk of experiencing corporal punishment are those with a disability; those whose parents experienced it themselves; and those whose parents struggle with substance use, depression or other mental health conditions. Broader societal factors such as poverty, racism and discrimination further increase the risk of violence against children.
Prevalence of Corporal Punishment
Globally, an estimated 1.2 billion children aged 0–18 years are subjected to physical violence in their homes every year. Data across 58 countries show that 17% of children who experienced corporal punishment in the past month were subjected to its most severe forms – including being hit on the head, face, or ears, or being hit hard and repeatedly.
The use of this type of reinforcement in homes varies widely across countries. Among children aged 2–14 years, parent and caregiver self-reported rates of corporal punishment in the past month ranged from 30% in Kazakhstan and 32% in Ukraine, to 63% in Serbia, 64% in Sierra Leone, and 77% in Togo, according to WHO.
In schools, the practice is equally widespread. Across Africa and Central America, around 70% of children experience beating during their school years, compared with about 25% in the Western Pacific region.
Why Corporal Punishment Persists
Corporal punishment persists due to a complex interplay of cultural norms, misconceptions about discipline, and lack of awareness regarding its harmful effects. Many believe it’s an effective way to correct behavior, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Additionally, a lack of training for teachers and caregivers on positive disciplinary methods contributes to its continued use.
Many societies deeply ingrain hitting and beating as a traditional method of disciplining children. Some cultures view it as a necessary part of raising children, a way to instill discipline and respect. Teachers and caregivers may not receive adequate training on positive, non-violent disciplinary methods. This can lead to a reliance on corporal punishment as a quick and easy solution to challenging behaviors. Limited awareness of the harmful effects of child abuse, both physically and psychologically, contributes to its continued use.
Children who experience violence are more likely to use it themselves when they become parents, perpetuating the cycle. This intergenerational transmission highlights the need to break the cycle of abuse and promote alternative disciplinary approaches.
The WHO’s Recommendations and Call to Action
Despite bans, the heinous act persists, proving legislation alone cannot change deep-rooted beliefs about its necessity. WHO emphasizes combining laws with awareness campaigns. It also urges support for parents, caregivers, and teachers to encourage non-violent discipline. WHO’s report provides additional arguments for expanding the spectrum of interventions that should be considered to eliminate this form of violence against children.
“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 well-being of children and no benefit to parents or societies either. It’s time to end this harmful practice to ensure that children thrive at home and at school.” WHO addresses this act in multiple cross-cutting ways. In collaboration with partners, WHO provides guidance and technical support for evidence-based prevention and response.
Every child deserves a childhood free from violence and fear. The WHO has sounded the alarm; now, it’s up to us to answer the call. It’s time to rethink what parenting looks like, breaking cycles of abuse depends on education, empathy, and support.
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