“Spare the rod and spoil the child”: Time to change the law


The Indian legal system has long relied on corporal punishment as a means of disciplining children. However, there is growing evidence that this practice is ineffective and harmful.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Child Welfare found that children who are corporally punished are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and delinquency.

The study also found that corporal punishment is not an effective way to deter misbehavior. In fact, it may actually make children more likely to misbehave in the future.

These findings are consistent with research from other countries. A study by the American Psychological Association found that corporal punishment is associated with increased aggression, decreased prosocial behavior, and lower cognitive ability.

The evidence is clear: corporal punishment is harmful to children. It is time for India to change its laws and ban this practice.

There are many alternative ways to discipline children that are more effective and less harmful. These include positive reinforcement, time-outs, and natural consequences.

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding children for good behavior. This can be done with praise, attention, or tangible rewards, such as stickers or small toys.

Time-outs involve removing children from a situation in which they are misbehaving. This can be done by having them sit in a designated spot for a set period of time.

Natural consequences involve allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their actions. For example, if a child refuses to eat their vegetables, they may go to bed hungry.

These alternative methods of discipline are more effective than corporal punishment because they teach children how to behave appropriately without resorting to violence. They also help children develop self-control and problem-solving skills.

It is time for India to change its laws and ban corporal punishment. This would be a positive step for the country and its children.

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