Introduction
In Colombia, it is known that
families use physical punishment as a form of education. Besides, physical
punishment may have been used when children do something that adults disagree
with.
Many people believe that physical
punishment makes children better people, just because that was the experience
they learned from their families. However, recent researchers have indicated
that physical punishment can lead to trauma, and frustrations that are
difficult to overcome in the future.
Positive aspects
Some people believe that physical
punishment teaches discipline and prepares the child to face life. There are
families who see physical punishment as a means of building character and
strengthening the child to be responsible, and courageous, others simply see
punishment as natural, and part of accepted social behavior.
Despite that, researcher Jorge
Cuartas, Ph.D. Student Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Apapacho
Foundation Co-Director said that «It is essential
to remember that the example we set for our children, and adolescents becomes
one of the greatest influences on their behavior.» (Instituto Colombiano de
Bienestar Familiar – ICBF, 2020).
In other words, children who receive
a violent education will reflect that violence in the society.
On the other hand, the researcher
Norm Lee also pointed out that «The world changes, society changes, everything
changes, and moves, we learn, we evolve, we improve as a species, and to
stopping hitting, and punishing children is a basic and vital requirement to
keep moving forward as a society» (Educavida Orientación Familiar, 2016).
Finally, parents should not be
thinking about physical punishment to educate their children, but to give them love and understanding, educate
them by example and make their childhood a positive and constructive
experience. If they start doing that, it will be possible to build a country
with a more harmonious and peaceful society.
Néstor Gálvez is a student of the master's degree in government, public policies, and territorial development at the National Open and Distance University - UNAD in the city of Bogotá.
Bibliographical references
Educavida Orientación Familiar,
(2016). Los 5 argumentos indiscutibles para quien defiende los castigos y los
azotes. https://www.educavida.com/los-5-argumentos-indiscutibles/
Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar
Familiar – ICBF, (2020). Tres razones para nunca utilizar el castigo físico, de
acuerdo con la ciencia. https://www.icbf.gov.co/mis-manos-te-ensenan/tres-razones-para-nunca-utilizar-el-castigo-fisico-de-acuerdo-con-la-ciencia
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