Child Welfare suggests parenting courses

National Executive Director for Child Welfare South Africa, Ashley Theron, said there were other ways to discipline a child without the use of physical force, adding that many organisations were already presenting courses to show parents other options.

This comes as public and Parliamentary discussions are underway regarding the draft Children's Amendment Bill which proposes banning corporal punishment in the home.

Corporal punishment of children in places of safety, is already banned, as well as in educational, judicial and other institutions.

The working group against corporal punishment called for the amended Bill to promote positive discipline, support parents and ban corporal punishment.

Beating and other forms of physical or mental punishment happen frequently and many South African children are subjected to being hit with belts, sticks, cables and hosepipes on a daily basis.

Theron said at the core of child protection was the principle of respecting the dignity, rights and humanity of children.

Corporal punishment, she said, did not contribute to the desired culture of tolerance, dignity and respect.

“Abolishing corporal punishment sends a message to our children and South Africa at large that violence in any form is not acceptable.

“We believe that there are many effective means, which promote self-control and the development of appropriate socially adaptive behaviour in constructive non-harmful ways,” said Theron.

She added that scientific research has revealed that the effects of corporal punishment are detrimental to the emotional and educational needs as well as development of children.

“Child Welfare South Africa's concern is the protection of children and the promotion of their well-being and healthy emotional development. Corporal punishment involves the deliberate infliction of pain upon a child by an adult,” said Theron.

A survey undertaken by the Human Sciences Research Council showed that 57% of South African parents used corporal punishment against children, and the age group that is most commonly beaten with a belt or a stick are 4-year-olds.

Earlier this year, Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said that public participation in the Children's Amendment Bill was vital in enabling government to produce comprehensive legislation to build the right environment for the sound growth, development and protection of children.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews