Hitting children leads to violence and depression

Findings of a study in Scotland this week revealed that children who are subjected to corporal punishment could become depressed and violent later in life. According to the report, children who are abused are likely to grow up to abuse children themselves.

Almost 50 countries have banned physical punishment on children in all settings, while 52 more are committed to law reform. On January 13, 2011, High Court justices Md. Imman Ali and Sheikh Hassan Arif outlawed the barbaric practice of corporal punishment in Bangladeshi schools and madrasas declaring it "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and a clear violation of a child's fundamental right to life, liberty and freedom". Unfortunately the evil practice continues and Bangladeshi children are still being severely abused in academic institutions. The danger of corporal punishment lurks in both schools and homes. The government must work towards eradicating corporal punishment throughout the country.

Sir Frank Peters

Human rights advocate