Protection of children from corporal punishment

Numerous studies have proven that corporal punishment is likely to negatively impact the psychological development and health of the child without adding any real educational value or beneficial effects. International and national campaigns were implemented to raise awareness among parents on the harms of these corporal punishments and to familiarise them with alternative educational measures.

One of the major objectives of the Council of Europe is to ban corporal punishment from educational practices. The Council of Europe's dedicated portal presents good practices developed to promote non-violent parenting, offers audio-visual and campaign materials, makes available publications, training content and a range of useful tools.

One of the reference websites in this field is End Violence against children which includes the initiative End Corporal Punishment. Their goal is to end corporal punishment of children by increasing the number of activities catalysing progress towards the universal prohibition and elimination of corporal punishment of children.  End Violence against children/ End Corporal Punishment conducts and supports national, regional and international advocacy, provides appropriate technical information, resources, advice and assistance.

In the European report on preventing child maltreatment, the World Health Organization sheds light on the negative impact of abuse on children's development and on the long-term social impact that such damage cause to society as a whole. The report also focuses more broadly on corporal punishment. it also includes compelling arguments for greater integration of prevention objectives in health and social policy.

 

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