Dear all,
It is with concern that I see some participants supporting or trying to justify physical punishment for children and young people.
Evidence-based research takes into accounts variables such as culture. A range of longitudinal, meta-analytic and population-based studies have demonstrated that physical punishment, even if on the ‘lighter side’, have significant and long-term effects on the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Punishment, whether verbal or physical, lead to shame, which is strongly associated with lower rates of self-esteem and higher rates of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The discussion, in my view, should not be whether physical punishment is warranted. Instead, we need to shift the focus to educating parents and carers about their emotional responses to their child’s unexpected behaviour, and the fact that they are role models to their children emotional regulation. Unfortunately, most carers and parents do not have an understanding of developmental psychology to understand, for instance, that a tantrum is not a sign of misbehaviour, but rather a very common and natural response for toddlers when they feel their needs are not being met.
It is the carer’s responsibility to help the child learn how to recognise their emotions and how they can be signs of unmet needs. Behaviour is just the tip of the iceberg, and I wish this was more broadly understood.
Kind regards,
Gisele
Gisele Rocha is a project manager for educational activities at the Royal Australian College of GPs in Australia. gisele.rocha AY racgp.org.au
