Researchers say so far 62 countries have legally banned the practice of physically punishing childrenPhysically punishing children is not effective in improving their behaviour and instead increases behavioural difficulties, researchers suggest. The research followed children over time and analysed data on physical punishment and a range of different outcomes. It suggests that across the world two thirds (63pc) of children between the ages of two and four, approximately 250 million children, are regularly subjected to physical punishment by their caregivers. “But our research found clear and compelling evidence that physical punishment does not improve children’s behaviour and instead makes it worse.”The findings suggest the link between physical punishment and increased behaviour problems is causal. When looking at data over time, no improvements were found in children’s attention, cognitive abilities, relationships with others, reactivity to stress, social behaviour or social competence among children who were physically punished.

Source: Irish Independent June 29, 2021 01:30 UTC