Corporal Punishment has Detrimental Effects on Children

Abid Nur Ratul_

Abid Nur

Corporal punishment – the use of physical force to ‘discipline’ children – has long been a contentious topic. While some argue it is an effective method to instill discipline, numerous studies worldwide highlight its detrimental effects. This article aims to shed light on the negative consequences associated with corporal punishment and why it should be stopped.

Firstly, it is totally wrong to describe corporal punishment as discipline, as some do. Corporal punishment isn’t discipline.  Our celebrated Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore made that clear when he said: “Discipline is to teach, not to punish.” Violence is not part of the equation.

1. Psychological Impact:

Medical science has proved that corporal punishment can lead to severe psychological repercussions, including increased aggression, anxiety, and depression in children. The fear and stress induced by physical punishment may hinder the development of a child's mental and emotional resilience.

2. Low Self-Esteem:

Children subjected to corporal punishment often experience a decline in self-esteem and self-assurance. Regular exposure to physical assault can make them feel unworthy, leading to long-term issues that undermines their confidence and self-worth.

3. Impaired Parent-Child Relationship:

The use of physical punishment erodes the trust between parents and children. Instead of fostering a healthy parent-child relationship built on communication and understanding, corporal punishment can create an atmosphere of fear, resentment and distrust.

4. Negative Behavioral Outcomes:

Contrary to the intended goal of correcting behavior, corporal punishment is linked to an increased likelihood of aggressive behavior in children. Studies show that children subjected to physical discipline are more prone to engaging in aggressive acts towards their peers and authority figures. Aggression breeds aggression.

5. Limited Problem-Solving Skills:

Children exposed to corporal punishment may struggle with developing effective problem-solving skills. Instead of understanding the consequences of their actions, they may resort to avoiding punishment rather than learning from their mistakes.

6. Cycles of Violence:

There is a strong correlation between experiencing corporal punishment as a child and engaging in aggressive behavior as an adult. This perpetuates a cycle of violence, as those who were once victims may replicate these harmful behaviors in their own parenting practices.

7. Ineffective Long-Term Discipline:

Corporal punishment may provide an immediate temporary deterrent, but it fails to teach children the underlying reasons for appropriate behavior. Effective discipline involves imparting values, setting boundaries, and guiding children towards understanding right from wrong.

8. Social and Academic Consequences:

Children who experience corporal punishment may face challenges in their social and academic lives. These challenges can include difficulty forming positive relationships with peers, lower academic performance, and a heightened risk of dropping out of school.

In conclusion, the adverse effects of corporal punishment on children are substantial and far-reaching. As society evolves, there is a growing consensus that alternative, non-violent disciplinary methods should be prioritized to foster the healthy development of children and break the cycle of harmful practices.

The above facts, gleaned from various acclaimed and substantiated studies overseas, clearly support the anti corporal punishment efforts by Sir Frank Peters to abolish corporal punishment to children in Bangladesh in all settings. All studies show corporal punishment is ineffective and is non beneficial.

(Writer Abid Nur “Ratul” (16) is a SSC24 candidate of the Ali Ahmed School and College in Khilgaon, Dhaka. His ambition is to become a Genetic Engineer.)