Thirty-one years ago Sweden banned corporal punishment, and became the first country to forbid all forms of violence against children, including at home. Since then a majority of the 47 Council of Europe member states have followed suit and committed themselves to putting an end to all corporal punishment.

Yet, after years of discussion, legislation, education on the subject and research showing the damaging effects of corporal punishment, it is still seen in many places as perfectly normal to hit a child.  

The idea of punishing children this way reflects an old fear of losing control over the child. I have often been asked how one is supposed to make children obey if one can not hit them. The answer is: with words.  

We should not teach children that it is acceptable to "resolve" disagreements with violence. Instead they should be taught by example to listen and discuss. Living under a constant threat of violence is detrimental for a growing and developing young person. As a matter of fact, research shows that children who are spanked more frequently at age three are more likely to be aggressive by age five.  

There are three central arguments that summarise why we should not allow children to be beaten:

    * It is a human rights and a legal imperative. Council of Europe norms as well as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child require that the child should be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence.
    * We react very strongly when an adult is beaten, and we would be thoroughly upset if a heated discussion ended with the opponent giving us a smack across the cheek. Why should it be acceptable for children to be hit – especially by someone they depend upon? This is illogical and inconsistent.
    * Corporal punishment is humiliating and represents an attack on the self esteem and self confidence of children. It demonstrates disrespect for their human dignity and teaches them that violence is an appropriate way to resolve a conflict.  

Schools and teachers play important roles

The Swedish experience shows that a law against corporal punishment can change people’s behaviour. Thirty-one years ago this idea was quite controversial in Sweden, but after only two years, parents were well informed about the law, and there was a sharp decline in beatings.

The children themselves must also be aware of their rights – and here schools have an important role to play. Children who are informed of their rights can ask for help if they, or their friends, are being beaten. Children deserve a global, total ban against adults hitting them.  

Thomas Hammarberg is the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.