Domestic corporal punishment of children: prevalence and pattern

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Corporal punishment was recorded as early as 11 th century BC. Worldwide children are exposed to corporal punishment in home and at school. 1,2 The situation in India is no better than the rest of the world. 3 Various studies have established the link between childhood corporal punishment and later psychological problems which includes psychological depression, aggressive behavior, behavior problems, and academic difficulties. 3-8 Until late 20 th century parents had the right to beat their children in order to have good conduct, as early as 21 st century since domestic punishment influenced the psychological behavior of the child, it has been banned in many countries. India was one among the countries which were signatories to United Nations convention on rights of children. The formation of National Council for protection of child right in the year 2005 is a giant leap in protection of child right in India.