Children have a right to learn without violence, whether they are in a public, private, government-subsidised or faith-based institution. Corporal punishment violates children’s rights and research shows it can impede learning and contribute to school drop-out. Transforming school culture to ensure a safe, respectful environment for everyone benefits students, teachers and the wider community, and it starts with law reform.

This briefing summarises progress towards prohibition and elimination of corporal punishment in schools worldwide. It highlights the states where this practice remains lawful, sets out the key elements of making prohibition a reality, and showcases programmes by our partners around the world that are working to end violence in schools.

If you have feedback on this or any of our publications, or to discuss translation, contact secretariat@end-violence.org