Hi Neil,
This is such interesting reading. All the studies show corporal punishment is detrimental to a child. In our organisation in India (where corporal punishment is used by 80-90% parents and many schools) we have a zero tolerance policy on hitting children. We do training with our staff and parents on how to discipline differently and in a more gentle and loving way. It has been a challenge because all our staff and our children have been brought up experiencing this as the norm so to adjust to a different way has a lot of challenges and it really needs long term, sustained input into a target population to change practice. How to change deeply
entrenched beliefs about corporal punishment is hard, but the results of much more well rounded, confident and more emotionally intelligent young people and staff is really amazing to watch over time and some are now very outspoken with their families and on social media about not using corporal punishment on their children to allow their children to flourish.
It is hard to change practice, but with a target population, we are beginning to see results at Love the One.
Thanks
Dr Cat Morris Director and Paediatrician, Love the One. OBE, MBChB, DTM&H, MRCPCH,
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Love the One
Making a difference... one child at a time
www.lovetheone.org
Facebook page: Love the One
Twitter: @ltoindia
CHIFA profile: Cat Morris is a Paediatrician working in India from UK. cat.morris AT lovetheone.org
