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Shattering the Cycle: UNICEF's Call to End Violent Disciplinary Measures Against Children
In a sobering revelation, new estimates from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) indicate that nearly 400 million children under the age of five worldwide are routinely subjected to psychological aggression or physical punishment at home. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of violent disciplinary practices against children.
According to the UNICEF data, six out of ten children globally experience violent disciplinary methods at home. Of the nearly 400 million children affected, approximately 330 million endure physical punishments. Alarmingly, the data also reveals that more than one in four mothers or caregivers worldwide believe that physical punishment is necessary for proper child-rearing.
UNICEF defines psychological aggression as behaviors such as shouting at a child or calling them "stupid" or "lazy." Physical punishments encompass actions like shaking, slapping, spanking, and any other form of inflicting pain without causing injury.
"When children experience physical or verbal violence at home or are deprived of the social and emotional care they need from their loved ones, their self-esteem and development can be severely impacted," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the occasion of the first International Day of Play.
These UNICEF estimates cover over 100 countries with available data between 2010 and 2023, including instances of "psychological aggression" and "corporal punishment." Collectively, these figures represent 52% of the world's under-five population.
While an increasing number of countries are prohibiting physical punishment of children within the family setting, with more than half of the 66 countries that have banned such practices adopting legislation in the past 15 years, approximately 500 million children under the age of five still lack adequate legal protection.
Coinciding with the inaugural International Day of Play, UNICEF has also released first-of-its-kind estimates on children's access to play opportunities. Based on data from 85 countries, one in five children aged two to four years does not engage in play activities with their caregivers at home, and approximately one in eight children under the age of five lacks access to toys.
Approximately 40% of children aged two to four are not sufficiently stimulated or lack interactions, and one in ten lacks access to critical developmental activities at home, such as reading, storytelling, singing, or drawing.
"Nurturing, play-based parenting brings joy and helps children feel secure, learn, develop skills, and better understand the world around them," added Russell.
To ensure every child feels loved and safe, UNICEF urges governments to strengthen efforts and increase investments in child protection. This includes reinforcing legal and policy frameworks that prohibit all forms of violence against children within the family sphere and expanding access to learning and play spaces for children, including preschools, schools, and playgrounds.
By addressing the deep-rooted societal norms that perpetuate violent disciplinary practices and prioritizing nurturing environments for children, the global community can break the cycle of violence and pave the way for a brighter future where every child can thrive.