Nearly 400M Kids Face Physical Punishments At Home, Alarms UNICEF

Recent UNICEF estimates reveal an alarming reality: nearly 400 million children under the age of five, or six out of ten globally, are subjected to psychological aggression or physical punishment at home. Of these, approximately 330 million children experience physical punishment.

Harmful Effects Of Violent Discipline on Children

The data show that violent discipline can have severe negative impacts on children's mental health and development. When children are exposed to physical or verbal abuse or do not receive emotional care from their caregivers, their sense of self-worth and development can be significantly affected. As UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell explains, "Nurturing and playful parenting can bring joy and also help children feel safe, learn, build skills, and navigate the world around them."

Physical punishment of children at home is becoming increasingly illegal in many nations. Over half of the 66 nations that have banned the practice have implemented legislation in the last 15 years, but approximately half a billion children under the age of 5 remain unprotected.

According to the findings, adverse social norms that support violent childrearing methods exist globally, with slightly more than one in every four mothers and primary carers believing that physical punishment is required to properly raise and educate children.

Global Data on Violent Discipline

The new estimates of violent discipline are based on data from 100 countries collected between 2010 and 2023, covering 52% of the global population of children under five. Attitudes toward corporal punishment are based on data from 93 countries, covering about 50% of the global female population aged 15 to 49. Estimates of caregiving and toy/plaything availability are based on data from 85 countries, covering 57% of children aged 2-4 and 56% of children under five.

The Importance of Play in Child Development

Play is essential for healthy child development, contributing to cognitive, social, and emotional growth. However, many children do not receive enough opportunities for play and interaction at home. About one in five children aged 2-4 do not play with their caregivers, and roughly one in eight children under five do not have toys or playthings at home. This lack of engagement can lead to emotional detachment, insecurity, and behavioural problems that can continue into adulthood. Additionally, one in ten children misses out on important activities that promote cognitive and social development, such as reading, storytelling, singing, and drawing.

Enhancing Protections and Support

To ensure that every child grows up in a safe and loving environment, UNICEF is calling on governments to increase efforts and investment in three key areas:

1. Protection: Strengthen legal and policy frameworks to prohibit and end all forms of violence against children at home.
2. Parenting Support: Expand evidence-based parenting programs that encourage positive, playful approaches and prevent family violence.
3. Playful Learning: Increase access to learning and play spaces for children, including preschools, schools, and playgrounds.

On this first International Day of Play, we must unite to end violence against children and promote positive, nurturing, and playful caregiving practices. By doing so, we can ensure that every child has the chance to grow up feeling safe, loved, and supported.

On this first International Day of Play, we must unite to end violence against children and promote positive, nurturing, and playful caregiving practices. By doing so, we can ensure that every child has the chance to grow up feeling safe, loved, and supported.