There must be a commitment to the objective of promoting nonviolent forms of child rearing
PESHAWAR: This is with reference to an article written by Arshad Mahmood on the issue of corporal punishment with the subject, “Violence against Children” published in this newspaper on December 20. No doubt, corporal punishment has negative effects on children’s psychology and personality. A harsh environment is destructive to the growth and learning of any child. Children can run away from homes, schools, madrassas and from workplaces due to corporal punishment or fear of corporal punishment. A runaway child will prefer being on the street instead of going to school.
Therefore, there is a need to strengthen monitoring and to establish a redress mechanism. Simultaneously, raising awareness and a social mobilisation campaign to educate the public on the harmful effects of corporal punishment is needed. There must be a commitment to the objective of promoting nonviolent forms of child rearing and education. The federal and provincial governments should take steps to initiate anti-corporal punishment legislation keeping in view the best interests of the child.
Imran Takkar
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2016.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
