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The prevalence of corporal punishment in Australia : Findings from a nationally representative survey
Haslam, Divna Malacova, Eva Higgins, Daryl John Meinck, Franziska Mathews, Ben Thomas, Hannah J Finkelhor, David Havighurst, Sophie S. Pacella, Rosana Erskine, Holly E
Haslam, Divna
Malacova, Eva
Higgins, Daryl John
Meinck, Franziska
Mathews, Ben
Thomas, Hannah J
Finkelhor, David
Havighurst, Sophie S.
Pacella, Rosana
Erskine, Holly E
Abstract
Corporal punishment is associated with adverse outcomes; however, little empirical data exists about the state of corporal punishment in Australia. This paper presents the first national prevalence estimates of experiences of corporal punishment during childhood among Australians and its use as adults by Australian parents and caregivers. We also report community beliefs about the necessity of corporal punishment. Results show corporal punishment remains common in Australia. A high proportion of Australians (62.5%) experienced corporal punishment in childhood, including almost 6 in 10 (58.4%) young people aged 16–24. Approximately half of all parents surveyed (53.7%) had used corporal punishment. A quarter of Australians (26.4%) believe corporal punishment is necessary to raise children, 73.6% do not view it as necessary. The use of corporal punishment and belief in its necessity are lower among younger people. Findings indicate the experience of corporal punishment remains unacceptably high in Australia but that the use of corporal punishment and beliefs about its necessity may be changing. These findings have significant implications for policy and practice in Australia. Changes in legislation could reduce this form of violence toward children. Relatively low rates of endorsement of the necessity of corporal punishment suggest the Australian community may be receptive to attempts for law reform in this area.
Keywords
beliefs, corporal punishment, parenting, prevalence, violence
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
Book
Volume
59
Issue
Page Range
580-604
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute of Child Protection Studies
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Collections
Relation URI
DOI
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
File Access
Open
Open
Open
Notes
© 2023 The Authors. Australian Journal of Social Issues published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Social Policy Association.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.