The World Health Organization Warns: Physical Punishment Threatens Children’s Health and Undermines Their Development
In a new report released on Wednesday, the World Health Organization has warned about the dangers of physical punishment, asserting that it is not merely a disciplinary method but constitutes a direct assault that endangers children’s health and profoundly and persistently hinders their psychological and mental growth.
The report, entitled “Physical Punishment of Children: Impact on Public Health,” reveals that approximately 1.2 billion children worldwide are subjected to this practice in their homes each year, exposing an entire generation to long-term risks.
It disclosed that the repercussions of physical punishment extend beyond immediate physical injuries, leading to serious biological changes, including elevated stress hormones and alterations in brain structure and function, which undermine the foundation of healthy growth in children. A study covering 49 countries indicated that children who are physically punished have a 24% reduced chance of healthy development compared to their peers.
Psychologically, the report confirms that physical punishment increases the risks of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional instability, with effects that persist into adulthood, correlating with higher rates of mental disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Data from 58 countries also revealed that 17% of children who experienced punishment in the past month suffered from its more severe forms, such as being hit on the head or face. This practice is widespread in homes and schools, with prevalence rates reaching 70% in Africa and Central America.
In this context, Dr. Etienne Krug from the World Health Organization emphasized that “there is no benefit to physical punishment; scientific evidence clearly shows that it harms children’s health and doesn’t contribute to improving their behavior or development.”
The report highlighted that the most vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities or those whose caregivers suffer from mental disorders, are at greater risk for such practices, perpetuating cycles of violence across generations and necessitating urgent global action to put an end to it.
