This is with reference to the report “Don’t beat children, Saudis visiting UK told” (July 16).
Undoubtedly, we need to take some action to check the culture of corporal punishment in our part of the world. I have witnessed such cases many times here in shopping malls. This is not the way to deal with one’s children. There are many better ways to discipline our children. Many people show no mercy on their children if they misbehave. They have no idea about the negative impact of corporal punishment on the personalities of their children. Childhood is a formative phase and there is a great need to deal with children delicately to help them grow into balanced and responsible adults.
Many people have no qualms about mistreating or beating their children in front of others. It affects their self-confidence and makes them insensitive over time. In addition to that such children usually grow up to be aggressive adults with no respect for others.
Many parents think that beating, slapping or hitting their children is the correct way to discipline them but they don’t realize these kinds of punishments especially in public make children adamant.
Some children may rebel and act against this harsh treatment. There are different ways to discipline children. In many countries, corporal punishment is treated as child abuse and that is why the Saudi Embassy in the UK has warned visitors to be mindful of their behaviors toward their children. Susana Martinez, an American lawyer and activist once said, “I went to law school and I became a prosecutor. I took on a specialty that very few choose to pursue. I prosecuted child abuse cases. Standing up for those kids, being their voice for justice was the honor of a lifetime.”
Give credit to children when they behave well and reward them for it and don’t ever resort to hitting or beating them. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh
Corporal punishment
