In Italy Save Children has started a campaign called “A mani ferme - Per dire NO alle punizioni fisiche nei confronti dei bambini”, is oriented to say NO to physical punishment against children. Some of the data offered by the research carried out by this organization, tell us that 22% of Italian parents beat children several times a month, and 5% do it daily. Not counting 49% who use these methods in exceptional cases.
Apparently there are still those who believe they see an educational value behind slapping, whipping, clapping or pushing. Although fortunately a high percentage of fathers and mothers firmly believe that the pillars of the educational relationship with their children should be active listening and dialogue. And 25% categorically refuse to resort to physical violence.
Between the main reasons that lead to the slap are fear, despair, the use of superiority and impulsivity. I think that the most worrisome of all this is the perception of the fact by the parents who hit: since many do not consider that hitting the children is necessarily bad, and even that an occasional slap does not hurt anyone or that can have a beneficial effect on the education of children. If children are attacked and there is nothing negative about it, there is little chance of rectification.
"Actually, as the motto of the campaign announcements demonstrates, A slap never ends, the consequences of a coup, especially if repeated, are not neutral." A child may manifest nervousness or aggressiveness over time, it is also possible to be depressed. For all this, Save the Chidren is committed to positive parentality from the authority of parents as guides but based on a nonviolent upbringing.
The survey was conducted between February and March 2012 through interviews with parents of children between three and 16 years old, and the project is funded by the European Commission and the participation of the delegations of Sweden, Lithuania and Romania. The campaign also has the collaboration of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, and the National Association of Italian pedagogues.
Other punishments that Italian parents believe are effective are restrictions (or deprive them of what they like), quarrel or force them to do something they do not like.
Italian dads and moms will receive information leaflets and can access a Positive Parentality Guide that includes the following parenting principles: identify our goals, be affectionate and become a reference for children, understand what they think and feel and adopt a problem-oriented approach (rather than from a punitive point).
“With this new Save the Children campaign, you don't want to blame parents, but rather help them, which shows that you can maintain non-violent discipline and authority through educational models,” says Valerio Neri, General Director of Save the Children Italia. “The organization also aims to promote a debate in the country to help develop models for positive parenting, based on dialogue and rules that do not involve violence as a method of education”
It is evident the loneliness that parents express before the upbringing of children today, we need spaces to reflect, share and learn, for the benefit of all.
At present there are many European countries have launched campaigns to raise awareness of positive parenting, reflecting the importance of not resorting to physical punishment. Save the Children Italia expects a constructive debate on the subject. Recall that in 32 countries around the world, there are explicit legal prohibitions in this regard.
I do not believe in the effectiveness of any type of punishment because they are unequal situations for the little ones, and - in addition - because they exclude the possibility that children assume the consequences of their actions. But in the case of physical punishment, it also seems to me a serious lack of respect for the integrity of the recipient.
Source | Save the Children Italy
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