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RESEARCH AND CHILDREN:Belize
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Corporal punishment: A situational analysis
In 2005, the National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NOPCAN) in Belize carried out a study which was aimed at raising awareness among the general public about the use of corporal punishment in schools and the home and the damage this does to children and to generate interest in the use of alternative measures. Information on the views and experiences of children aged 7-15 years was gathered through focus groups (87 children) and questionnaires (292 children).
In focus groups, 45% of children aged 7-10 years felt that adults should immediately address wrong behaviour, and 45% of all involved felt that it was wrong and ineffective for adults to use corporal punishment as a means of controlling children. Responses to the questionnaires revealed that 91% 7-10 year olds had been lashed at home/school, and 87.7% were still being punished in this way. The most commonly used implement for beating was a belt (59.9%), followed by a slipper (42.2%), a rope (16.4%), a ruler (11.9%) and a stick (11.3%). Some of the children were scarred from the beatings. Of children aged 11-15 years, 97% said that corporal punishment had been or was still being inflicted at home and school, with punishments including having to kneel on bottle stoppers and being hit on the head. More than two thirds (69%) considered corporal punishment to be cruel and inhumane, and a similar number said that when the punishment was administered they felt hurt, shameful, fearful, upset, vexed, bad, angry and resentful.
Students explained that they were told by their parents and teachers that they were being punished out of love, and this led many to believe that it was right to administer corporal punishment to them. However, they stated that they cannot learn when there is the threat of the whip, and that they need to feel loved not threatened with violence.
I can't wait until I am old enough to stop getting lashing from my aunt. She never seems to understand that hitting me hurts.
As soon as I am old enough I am going to run away, if ever my stepfather tries to hit my again.
Students expressed strong views that they would not use corporal punishment when they are adults.
National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (2005), Corporal punishment - A situational analysis, Belize: NOPCAN