Stricter Child Abuse Laws

Liberty
,
1

*Policy Proposal: Prohibiting Corporal Punishment in All Settings in the United States

Introduction
To safeguard children’s well-being and human rights, we propose a comprehensive ban on corporal punishment in all settings.

Problem Statement
Corporal punishment poses significant health risks, including:

Physical Health Problems

  1. Injuries (bruises, welts, fractures)
  2. Chronic pain
  3. Increased risk of physical disabilities
    4.Emotional and Mental Health Problems*
  4. Anxiety disorders
  5. Depression
  6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  7. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
  8. Emotional regulation difficulties
    10.Cognitive and Developmental Delays*
  9. Decreased IQ
  10. Impaired cognitive development
  11. Reduced academic achievement
  12. Social skills deficits
    15.Long-term Consequences*
  13. Increased risk of mental health disorders
  14. Substance abuse
  15. Intimate partner violence
  16. Child abuse (perpetuating cycle)
    20.International Precedent*

63 countries have banned corporal punishment in all settings:
21. Sweden (1979)
22. Finland (1983)
23. Norway (1987)
24. Austria (1989)
25. Germany (1998)
26. UK (2004, Scotland; 2015, Wales)
27. Canada (2004)

28.Total Countries Banning Corporal Punishment*
64 countries have banned corporal punishment in some or all settings.
29.Proposed Legislation*
“The Corporal Punishment Prohibition Act”
30.Section 1 Definitions*
31. Corporal punishment: physical force, hitting, spanking, or physical harm.
32.Section 2 Prohibition*
33. Corporal punishment is prohibited in all settings (homes, schools, institutions).
34.Section 3 Education and Support*
35. Provide resources for positive discipline.
36.Section 4 Enforcement*
37. Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
38.Rationale*
39. Aligns with international standards (UN Committee on the Rights of the Child)
40. Supported by medical professionals (American Academy of Pediatrics)
41. Effective in reducing violence and promoting healthy development
42.Implementation*
43. Public awareness campaigns
44. Educator training programs
45. Parenting resources and support services
46.Benefits*
47. Reduced child abuse cases
48. Improved child well-being
49. Enhanced societal safety
50.Supporting Organizations*
51. American Civil Liberties Union
52. Children’s Defense Fund
53. National Alliance to End Homelessness

Call to Action
Urge policymakers to prioritize children’s rights and safety by prohibiting corporal punishment.

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy Children.
  2. UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. (2014). General Comment No. 8.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect.