Pro 1

Corporal punishment is the appropriate discipline for

certain children when used in moderation.

Pro 2

Corporal punishment sets clear boundaries and

motivates children to behave in school.

Pro 3

Corporal punishment is often chosen by students over

suspension or detention.

Con 1

Corporal punishment can inflict long-lasting physical

and mental harm on students.

Con 2

Corporal punishment creates an unsafe and violent

school environment.

Con 3

Corporal punishment is an inappropriate punishment

that harms the education of children.
Corporal punishment can lead to serious psychological and physiological
effects. Children endure not just physical pain but also feelings of sadness,
fear, anger, shame, and guilt. The sense of being threatened can trigger
physiological stress and activate neural pathways that help them cope with
danger.
Those who experience physical punishment often show heightened
hormonal responses to stress, strained biological systems—including the
nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems—and alterations in brain
structure and function.
Although spanking is commonly accepted, it is associated with atypical
brain function similar to that seen in cases of more severe abuse,
challenging the argument that milder forms of physical punishment are
harmless. Extensive research has established connections between
corporal punishment and a variety of negative outcomes, both in the short
and long term:
• direct physical harm, which can lead to severe injury, long-term
disability, or even death; •
• mental health issues, such as behavioral and anxiety disorders,
depression, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, self-harm,
and suicide attempts, as well as substance abuse and emotional
instability that persist into adulthood; •
• impairments in cognitive and socio-emotional development,
particularly in emotion regulation and conflict resolution skills; •
• negative impacts on education, including higher dropout rates and
lower academic and career success;
• poor moral development and increased antisocial behavior;
• higher levels of aggression in children;
• violent, antisocial, and criminal behavior in adulthood;
• indirect physical harm due to stressed biological systems, leading to
conditions like cancer, alcohol-related issues, migraines,
cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and obesity that carry into
adulthood;
• increased acceptance and use of other forms of violence; and
• deterioration of family relationships. Some studies suggest a dose–
response relationship, indicating that higher levels of corporal
punishment correlate with increased child aggression and lower
achievement.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states in Article 28 that
children have the right to an education, and this must be conducted in an environment that
respects their dignity and rights (United Nations, 1989). Corporal punishment fundamentally
undermines this principle by inflicting physical harm and psychological trauma.

Research has consistently shown that corporal punishment does not effectively discipline
children and often leads to long-term negative outcomes, including increased aggression,
antisocial behavior, and mental health issues (Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016).
Furthermore, the Committee on the Rights of the Child has urged states to prohibit all forms
of corporal punishment, recognizing that such practices violate the right to protection from
violence and can perpetuate cycles of abuse (UN Committee on the Rights of the Child,
2011).

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights also emphasizes the right to security and
freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment (United Nations, 1948).
Corporal punishment falls under these categories, as it is a form of violence that degrades and
dehumanizes individuals, particularly vulnerable populations such as children.

In conclusion, abolishing corporal punishment is not merely a legislative necessity; it is a

moral imperative rooted in human rights. We must strive to cultivate environments where
discipline is guided by respect and understanding, fostering a culture of non-violence and
empathy. By doing so, we uphold the dignity of all individuals and contribute to a more just
and compassionate society.

References

 United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from UN website
 United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from UN website
 Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Effects of Corporal Punishment on Child Behavior
Problems: A Meta-Analysis. Family Psychology, 30(4), 487-495.
 UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2011). General Comment No. 13: The Right of the
Child to Freedom from All Forms of Violence. Retrieved from UN website

1. Human Rights Violations: Corporal punishment is inherently violent and

undermines the dignity and worth of children. According to the UN Convention on
the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Article 19 explicitly states that children must be
protected from all forms of physical or mental violence (United Nations, 1989). This
framework reinforces the notion that corporal punishment is a violation of children's
rights to safety and respect.
2. Ineffectiveness of Corporal Punishment: Research indicates that corporal
punishment fails to achieve its intended outcomes. A comprehensive meta-analysis by
Gershoff and Grogan-Kaylor (2016) found that corporal punishment is associated
with increased aggression and antisocial behavior in children, demonstrating that it
 does not effectively teach self-control or desirable behaviors. Instead, it often
exacerbates behavioral issues.
3. Psychological Impact: The psychological effects of corporal punishment can be
severe and long-lasting. Studies have shown that children subjected to corporal
punishment are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
(Durrant & Ensom, 2017). The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that
physical punishment can lead to negative mental health outcomes, urging parents to
seek non-violent forms of discipline (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018).
4. International Consensus: The growing international movement against corporal
punishment underscores its recognition as a human rights violation. As of 2021, over
60 countries have enacted laws prohibiting corporal punishment in all settings,
including homes and schools, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes (Global
Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children, 2021). The UN Committee on
the Rights of the Child has called for the complete prohibition of corporal
punishment, highlighting the global consensus on the issue (UN Committee on the
Rights of the Child, 2011).
5. Alternative Disciplinary Methods: Non-violent methods of discipline, such as
positive reinforcement and restorative practices, have been proven to be more
effective in fostering healthy behavior and emotional development. According to the
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, nurturing environments that
promote positive relationships are crucial for healthy child development (National
Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2010).
6. Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of endorsing non-violence in child-
rearing are significant. Promoting a culture of non-violence aligns with principles of
respect and empathy. Research indicates that children who experience non-violent
discipline are more likely to develop positive relationships and emotional intelligence,
contributing to a more peaceful society (Berkowitz, 2012).

In conclusion, the argument against corporal punishment is supported by robust evidence

from human rights frameworks, psychological research, and ethical considerations. By
advocating for the abolition of corporal punishment, we affirm the dignity and rights of all
individuals, especially children, and promote a more compassionate and just society.

References

 American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy

Children. Pediatrics, 142(6), e20183112.
 Berkowitz, M. W. (2012). The Science of Character Education. In Handbook of
Character Education (pp. 15-32). Routledge.
 Durrant, J. E., & Ensom, R. (2017). Physical Punishment of Children: Lessons from
20 Years of Research. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 189(8), E331-E332.
 Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Effects of Corporal Punishment on
Child Behavior Problems: A Meta-Analysis. Family Psychology, 30(4), 487-495.
 Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. (2021). Country
Report. Retrieved from Global Initiative website
 National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2010). The Foundations of
Lifelong Health Are Built in Early Childhood. Retrieved from Harvard University
website
 United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from UN
website
  UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2011). General Comment No. 13: The
Right of the Child to Freedom from All Forms of Violence. Retrieved from UN
website

Imagine a world where every child is nurtured, cherished, and respected—where the very
notion of discipline is rooted in love and understanding rather than fear and pain. Yet,
countless children still endure corporal punishment, their cries echoing in silence, their
dignity stripped away in the name of discipline. This practice, once seen as acceptable, is a
profound violation of fundamental human rights, contradicting the principles of compassion
and respect that should guide our interactions with the most vulnerable among us.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child asserts that every child has the
right to a safe and nurturing environment, free from violence and degradation (United
Nations, 1989). Corporal punishment not only inflicts physical harm but also leaves deep
emotional scars, contributing to long-term psychological issues such as anxiety and
depression (Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016). As we stand at the crossroads of morality and
justice, we must choose to abolish this outdated and harmful practice, advocating for a future
where every child can thrive in an atmosphere of love, support, and understanding.

Let us be the voice for the voiceless, the champions for change, and the architects of a society
that values non-violence and empathy. Together, we can create a world that honors the rights
and dignity of every child, paving the way for a brighter, more compassionate future. The
time to act is now.

References

 United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from UN
website
 Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Effects of Corporal Punishment on
Child Behavior Problems: A Meta-Analysis. Family Psychology, 30(4), 487-495.

 Berkowitz, M. W. (2012). The Science of Character Education. In Handbook of

Character Education (pp. 15-32). Routledge.
 Durrant, J. E., & Ensom, R. (2017). Physical Punishment of Children: Lessons from 20
Years of Research. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 189(8), E331-E332.
 Gershoff, E. T. (2002). Corporal Punishment by Parents and Associated Child Behaviors
and Experiences: A Meta-Analytic and Theoretical Review. Psychological Bulletin, 128(4),
539-579.
 Gershoff, E. T., & Grogan-Kaylor, A. (2016). Effects of Corporal Punishment on Child
Behavior Problems: A Meta-Analysis. Family Psychology, 30(4), 487-495.
 Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children. (2021). Country Report.
Retrieved from Global Initiative website
 United Nations. (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved from UN
website