Educating Canadians on the Health Risks of Corporal Punishment and Safe and Effective Alternatives

Corporal punishment of children, although banned in 32 countries, is still legal in Canada. Countries which have banned corporal punishment have done so based on their recognition of children as people who have a right to be free from harm. For over two decades, research has outlined the mental and physical health risks of exposing children to corporal punishment. Furthermore, corporal punishment has been found to be ineffective in the long-term, and more effective, safer, and healthier forms of discipline have been presented through research and encouraged by medical doctors and psychologists. This article summarizes these findings and highlights the importance of disseminating education on corporal punishment as Sweden effectively accomplished. It is concluded that Canadian communities must support parents in turning away from corporal punishment and promote the practice of safe and healthy disciplinary alternatives.