Are you unknowingly hurting children?
Corporal punishment is the use of physical force, humiliation, and other degrading treatment to punish children. Some adults “correct” children’s bad behaviors by hurting them, either physically or verbally.
This method is outright wrong, ineffective, and dangerous. Unfortunately, several Filipino parents and teachers still practice it due to misinformation.
Nothing good comes out of corporal punishment. It creates pain, fear, and distrust.
Examples of corporal punishment
Verbal
- Belittling or humiliating children
- Insults, curses, threats
Physical
- Pinching, Spanking, Slapping, Shoving, Hitting
- Pulling a child’s hair or ears
Emotional and Other Forms
- Allowing a child to witness violence
- Starving the children as punishment
- Neglect and abandonment
- Locking children in uncomfortable or tight spaces
Instead of corporal punishment, we should instead practice positive discipline.
Positive discipline believes that we can reinforce good behavior among children without the use of violence.
It teaches children how to handle themselves better in various situations, placing high value on respect, understanding, and encouragement.
Save the Children is strongly against all forms of corporal punishment.
For a decade, we have been promoting positive discipline in homes, schools, and all spaces meant for children. We have been supporting the passage of the Positive Discipline Bill in Congress since 2008.
In 2007, we developed a manual for Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting, and another one for Everyday Teaching in 2010. We also produced a Primer for Filipino teachers on the use of positive discipline in everyday teaching in 2015, in partnership with the Department of Education and E-Net Philippines.
Through our programs, we’re empowering Filipino children nationwide to speak up against bullying and corporal punishment. These children will then serve as role models within their communities.
With your support, we can create a Philippines where all children will fully enjoy the childhood they rightfully deserve.
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