Revisting child corporal punishment ; the pros and cons of this phenomenon

Abstract

Children as part of society are vulnerable. Undeniably, they experience the first education in their homes and so their parents have the responsibility of taking care and educating them. There are a number of correct and incorrect ways to educate children. Indeed, corporal punishment is one incorrect method and in Malta this has been illegalised since 2014. Resultantly, the aim of this study is to investigate whether parents are still practising this phenomenon and if so, to what extent. The qualitative approach was chosen for this study and four professionals were identified, these being a social worker, a lawyer and two psycho-social professionals working within the education system. All these professionals in their work meet with both children and parents. This cohort was interviewed and then after transcribing the data, the thematic approach was used in order to analyse the data gathered. The findings which came out from the interviews showed that many parents are still using this form of child rearing method. Some of them do not even know that the law was changed. It was also found that there aren‟t enough campaigns against the use of corporal punishment and the negative consequences which it could lead to. Moreover, it also showed that the law which entered in 2014 is effective; however, there aren‟t the right measures which complement the law.