Why Is It Wrong To Use Corporal Punishment On Children?

Corporal punishment, or also called corporal punishment,  has catastrophic consequences for a child’s development. While it is true that sometimes it seems like the easiest way to deal with a child’s disobedience, beating or harming them will never be the best solution. It may seem effective – in the beginning – and practical, but it is only because it does not require thinking.

However, there is always a better choice. There is a way to raise a child, which despite the extra effort it will take, will be much better for them in the long run.

What is corporal punishment?

Unfortunately, some parents still believe in the old adage: ” save the rod and spoil the child “. But each blow gives a mark that does more harm than good. It creates something in the children that is much more like fear than a desire to behave well.  Disciplining children with corporal punishment will lead to a decline in their development.

When we refer to corporal punishment, it includes pushing, shaking, pinching and slapping. These actions can stop a particular behavior, but they do not explain how this behavior is wrong. The child will just associate that act with a punishment.

Logically, corporal punishment only encourages behavior we do not really want in our children. We already know that children tend to imitate what they see. Thus, if they see physical aggression in their daily lives, they will understand that it is okay to beat others.

In fact, if we love our little ones and they perceive this love, but you beat them constantly when they misunderstand or do not understand anything, they will think that this punishment is part of the love. They will develop an understanding that violence and intimidating or threatening someone are valid ways to love. After all, adults know everything – at least in a child’s eyes.

Consequences of corporal punishment in children

As you can see, corporal punishment does not do much other than stop a certain behavior temporarily. The negative effects can be very serious, especially in the long run. And if we add things like shouting to the child, the emotional problems will multiply. Therefore, it is important to keep these consequences in mind:

• Beating a child hinders healthy independence and initiative. It makes it harder for the child to solve problems and love himself. It leads to low self-esteem.
• It also limits the child’s intelligence as they grow.  Corporal punishment dramatically disrupts learning processes.
• It also causes problems in family relationships. It will affect the child both socially and emotionally.
• Corporal punishment can make a child feel abandoned, sad and alone.  They will feel useless and unnecessary.

• The child’s worldview will eventually become dark, negative and threatening.  They will feel that they have no place in the world.
• The child may become angry without control,  and may feel the need to run away.

How can one discipline a child without resorting to violence?

We know that it is not always easy to discipline children. This is normal; they have their own personalities and want to express themselves. But violence is never the answer. When they are very young, it is not possible to argue with them. However, they should  start absorbing the rules and norms in the home from a very early age.

There are many alternatives to corporal punishment and ways to promote a healthy home environment  . For example, you can use positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. By teaching them which behaviors are good, you are also signaling which ones are not. This is the power of positive reinforcement.

As parents, we must try to keep our heads down.  Most types of corporal punishment are more like impulses than thoughtful discipline. In fact, there are many parents who do not want to beat their children, but when they do, they try to justify it.

It is a controversial topic. But our children deserve better.