Many people and cultures throughout the world condone the practice of using corporal punishment to discipline children. But should they?
UNICEF doesn’t think so. Its Convention on the Rights of the Child called for the abolishment of the parents and caregivers’ right to use physical punishment on children. Today marks Universal Children’s Day, which began in 1954. Its goal has been to improve the welfare of kids across the globe. As stated in a report to the U.N. secretary-general in 2001, "We were all children once. And we all share the desire for the well-being of our children, which has always been and will continue to be the most universally cherished aspiration of humankind."
In celebration of Universal Children's Day, MST has put together a thought-provoking infographic on the consequences of corporal punishment. We call it, Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child. Click here to see the Infographic.
MST-CAN is designed to help children and their families overcome physical and emotional abuse, and neglect. It works to keep children safely at home. The focus is providing treatment to the whole family with special attention given to parents to overcome some of the challenges they face to parenting.
Spanking might seem an innocuous practice with some people arguing that they got a good hiding when growing up and had turned out fine. Still, it has to be asked, does this type of discipline work? What affect does it have on the child? Does it lead to long-term problems such as drug abuse and suicide?
Sure, it might seem positive that some children respond immediately to being hit. But it has been shown that physical discipline leads to increased aggressive and delinquent behavior. Throw into the pot the resulting poorer relationships between parents and children, and physical discipline might not be as helpful as we sometimes think it might be.
Research shows that corporal punishment in the long run doesn’t work and can create harm to children’s mental health and family relations. Take a second look at this infographic if you need more convincing.
Universal Children’s Day serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to the young. They are an invaluable asset, a treasure, and we should do all we can to ensure they are given every chance to live happy, healthy and productive lives.
Make sure to a child a hug today.
To learn more about MST's family of proven therapies. Download this white paper.
