Literature by topic
Physical punishment of children
Atwool, Nicola.
Attachment and
discipline.
Childrenz Issues v.8 no.2 2004: 34-40
Many parents fear that failure to discipline their children will lead to loss of control and negative outcomes. Discipline and punishment are often perceived as one and the same. The author begins with an exploration of what constitutes discipline followed by a discussion of the function and purpose of discipline. Attachment theory is then put forward as an alternative framework for understanding children's moral development. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this perspective. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/CIC/CIC.html
Bedi, Gillinder; Goddard, Chris.
Intimate partner violence: what are the impacts on children?
Australian Psychologist v.42 no.1 Mar 2007: 66-77
Evidence suggests that children who live with intimate partner violence between their parents or caregivers are at risk for psychological and behavioural problems. This paper presents an overview of the substantial body of literature now existing in this field. It reports on the prevalence of intimate partner abuse in developed countries and the potentially large population of children who experience conflict of this nature. Rates of co-occurrence of intimate partner violence and directly targeted physical child abuse are reviewed, as well as possible reasons for this overlap. Impacts of living with intimate partner violence during childhood are summarised. Heightened prevalence of posttraumatic symptomatology, mood difficulties, and behavioural problems have been reported in this population of children, and there are indications that difficulties may persist. Possible mediators and mechanisms of these associations are reviewed. The difficulty of separating the effects of directly targeted child assault from those of living with violence is discussed, as is the apparent similarity in outcomes associated with each type of violence. The paper is concluded with comments on implications and recommendations for future research. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Australian Psychological Society http://www.psychology.org.au Subscription: Taylor and Francis
Briere, John.
Treating the long-term
effects of childhood maltreatment: a brief overview.
Psychotherapy
in Australia v.10 no.3 May 2004: 12-18
The psychological treatment of abuse effects is likely to be complex and require specialized skills and information. John Briere outlines the central principles of the 'self-trauma model', a therapeutic approach to child abuse-related issues in adults. This perspective calls upon cognitive-behavioral and relational research and theory to address the many cognitive, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal effects of child maltreatment. The critical balance between exposure to traumatic history and the consolidation of safety and stability is explored. Implicit to this model is the importance during trauma processing of internal (or 'self') capacities such as the skills of affect tolerance and affect modulation. Some clients may require extensive 'self-work' before any significant trauma-focused interventions can occur. (Journal abstract)
Available from: PsychOz Publications Pty Ltd, PO Box 534, Carlton North Vic 3054. Email psychoz@psychotherapy.com.au. Internet http://www.psychotherapy.com.au
Connolly, Marie; Doolan, Mike.
Child
deaths and statutory services: issues for child care and protection.
Communities, Children and Families Australia v.2 no.1 Apr 2007:
26-38
This article discusses the analysis of nine cases of child homicide known to statutory child protection services in New Zealand from 1996 to 2000. These case studies reveal that few of the deaths were predictable. Issues raised by the case studies and by the reviewing of child deaths more generally are also discussed. The need for child welfare systems to find ways of learning from the review of child deaths so that the review process does not become a mechanism for promoting risk averse practice is identified. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Australian College for Child and Family Protection Practitioners Email accfpp@bigpond.net.au
Devere, Heather; Verbitsky, Jane.
The
right not to be hit: the battle between children's rights, parents rights
and cultural rights.
In: Australasian Political Studies Association
(APSA) Annual Conference 2005: papers. Dunedin, NZ: Political Studies
Department, Otago University, 2005, 15p, Online (PDF 550 KB)
http://auspsa.anu.edu.au/proceedings/publications/DevereandVerbitskypaper.pdf
The extension of rights to citizens groups has been a notable feature of politics in the last sixty years. However, one group that is rarely acknowledged as rights-holders and has been significantly absent from key rights extensions is children. This paper looks at children's rights in the context of the debate about corporal punishment in New Zealand. It also considers public attitudes to corporal punishment of children as reflected in a recent survey about attitudes to children conducted by the Institute of Public Policy and the School of Social Sciences at AUT. (Author abstract)
Available from: Political Studies Association, Otago University http://www.otago.ac.nz/politicalstudies/conferences/apsa05/APSA_Conference_webpage.htm
Dobbs, Terry.
Insights: children and
young people speak out about family discipline.
Wellington, New
Zealand: Save the Children New Zealand, 2005, 81p, tables, figures,
illus.
A study into children's perspectives on family discipline sends a strong message to parents that physical punishment does not work. The study reported in this publication shows a very high rate of physical punishment used in New Zealand families. Eighty children aged between 5 and 14 years, living in different geographical locations throughout New Zealand were questioned about their experiences and understanding of family discipline and their views of the effects of various disciplinary techniques. Findings indicate that children have a good understanding of which behaviours are considered unacceptable within the family. The study demonstrated that the children had considerable understanding and insight into their own and other people's behaviour and feelings when family discipline occurred.
Available from: Save the Children New Zealand, http://www.savethechildren.org.nz
Dobbs, Terry.
What do children tell
us about physical punishment as a risk factor for child abuse?
Social Policy Journal of New Zealand no.30 Mar 2007: 145-162, figures,
and Online
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj30/30-children-physical-punishment-risk-factor-child-abuse-p145-162.html
This paper discusses children's views of family discipline and possible implications for policy makers. In 2004, 80 New Zealand children, between five and 14 years of age, took part in research eliciting their views on family discipline. In response to questions on family discipline children spontaneously revealed concerning levels of the frequency and severity of physical punishment, some of which would be identified as child abuse using any threshold. Children's reports of the context in which physical punishment was delivered by parents was also of concern. Many children reported high levels of confusion when trying to link their own views of physical punishment with the actions of their parents. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Ministry of Social Development http://www.msd.govt.nz/
Duncan, Judith; Bowden, Chris.
Promoting stress-resilient families, positive parenting practices
and experiences: a vision of Educare.
Childrenz Issues v.8 no.2
2004: 41-44
This paper explores some of the factors identified by research that contribute to individual and family stress and families' use of physical punishment. Factors that contribute to families' stress resilience are also discussed. Special attention is given to discussing the role that early childhood centres can play in providing informal and formal support, promoting guided self-change, and the development of family assets that may assist families to improve the well being of children, young people and the family unit. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/CIC/CIC.html
Durrant, Joan E.
Whose body is it
anyway? Physical punishment, children's rights and parental
responsibility
Childrenz Issues v.8 no.2 2004: 23-26
This paper addresses the human rights principles that underlie the physical punishment debate. The issues are framed within the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The rationale for legal reform is presented and information is provided on the status of legal reform internationally. A particular focus is placed on the case of Sweden, the first country to explicitly abolish physical punishment. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/CIC/CIC.html
Durrant, Joan E.
Distinguishing
physical punishment from physical abuse: implications for
professionals.
Developing Practice: The Child, Youth and Family
Work Journal no.16 Winter 2006: 43-51
Three commonly used criteria for identifying child abuse are physical injury, parental intent and social norms. This article examines the use of these criteria for distinguishing normative physical punishment from abusive punishment. It raises issues with all three and considers how to resolve the dilemma of mixed messages in relation to physical punishment of children in Canada, where it is still lawful despite becoming increasingly socially undesirable.
Available from: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies http://www.acwa.asn.au/
Hosking, Jamie.
Is smacking in New
Zealand a public health problem?
Children (Office of the
Commissioner for Children) no.59 Summer 2006: 13-14, and Online (PDF
828KB whole issue)
http://www.occ.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/2939/CC_Newsletter_Summer2006.pdf
What is the burden of disease resulting from smacking and physical punishment of children in New Zealand? This article looks at the health outcomes of smacking and the link between smacking and child abuse. It concludes that smacking is associated with negative health effects, and that there are important public health reasons for trying to prevent smacking.
Available from: Office of the Children's Commissioner http://www.occ.org.nz/
Joyce, Peter R; Williamson, Samantha A H; McKenzie, Janice M;
Frampton, Christopher M A; Luty, Suzanne E; Porter, Richard J; Mulder,
Roger T.
Effects of childhood experiences on
cortisol levels in depressed adults.
Australian and New Zealand
Journal of Psychiatry v.41 no.1 Jan 2007: 62-65
This paper seeks to evaluate the impact of childhood abuse and parental bonding on cortisol levels in depressed adults. Cortisol levels were measured in 192 depressed patients. Childhood experiences of physical and sexual abuse were ascertained by interview, and perceived parenting by self-report. The authors find that maternal affectionless control, childhood sexual and physical abuse were all associated with cortisol levels. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists http://www.ranzcp.org/
Kids Help Line.
Physical abuse lost
in the debate.
Kids Help Line Nov 2004: 4, and Online (whole issue
PDF 184K)
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/upload/10572.pdf
The physical abuse of children by family members is sometimes forgotten in the debate about child abuse, which in recent years has focussed on sexual abuse. Nevertheless, physical abuse continues to be the most common form of child abuse in Australia (AIHW, 2004), and is the most frequent form of abuse children and young people report to Kids Help Line counsellors. Do these figures suggest that our society condones physical violence against children in some way?
Available from: Kids Help Line http://www.kidshelp.com.au
Kids Help Line.
Child abuse:
2004-05
Red Hill, Qld: Kids Help Line, 2005, 4p, tables, figures,
(Infosheet no.3) Online only (PDF 67 KB)
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/upload/14495.pdf
The number and nature of calls to Kids Help Line concerning child abuse during 2004-05 are discussed in this information sheet which covers issues of client profile; physical abuse; neglect; sexual abuse and its ongoing impact; emotional abuse; impact of abuse.
Available from: Kids Help Line http://www.kidshelp.com.au
Kiro, Cindy.
Child rights and
physical punishment in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Childrenz Issues v.8
no.2 2004: 16-21,44
This paper examines child rights in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on the issue of violence against children and young people. Discussion includes the Children's Issues Centre review of recent research on physical punishment, and government initiatives aimed at improving the situation for children, including work undertaken by the Ministry of Social Development on alternatives to physical punishment, and advocacy by non government agencies for legislative changes.
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/CIC/CIC.html
Kozlowska, Kasia; Foley, Sue.
Attachment and risk of future harm: a case of non-accidental
brain injury.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy
v.27 no.2 Jun 2006: 75-82
Decision making in cases of non accidental brain injury is complex. Courts often view alternate care as a means of ensuring the children are protected from further physical abuse. It is important for treating and assessing clinicians to present the court with a broad systems perspective highlighting the multiple factors which combine to impact on the child's future safety, welfare and well being. This article highlights the need to consider long term attachment needs as part of any risk of harm assessment for young children who have been maltreated. Attachment issues are considered in the case of Nellie, a 17 month old toddler with a serious and unexplained non accidental brain injury. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy Association http://www.anzjft.com/
Ludbrook, Robert.
Children and the
law update.
Childrenz Issues v.12 no.1 2008: 47-50,52
The year 2007 was good for New Zealand children and their rights. In this article the author identifies changes to the law, parliamentary reports, court decisions and government announcements affecting children. He provides information on the following topics: Removal of parental power of physical punishment; Children, Young Persons and their Families Amendment Bill; Babies able to spend more time with mothers in prison; Move to get tough on young offenders not supported; Progress towards equal pay for children's work; Low pay and poor conditions for children who contract their services; Children and electro-convulsive therapy; Unfair expulsion of students from school; Changing judicial attitudes towards children and their rights; and the Government acting promptly on the Law Commission's recommendations.
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago http://www.otago.ac.nz/cic/ ; Online from Informit http://search.informit.com.au/
Martin, Jacqueline; Kerslake-Hendricks, Anne; Gomes,
Allen.
Evaluation of the Strategies for Kids -
Information for Parents (SKIP) programme.
In: Diverse Voices in
Evaluation. Australasian Evaluation Society International Conference
2004. Lyneham, ACT: Australasian Evaluation Society, 2004, 8p, Online
only (PDF 144 KB)
http://www.aes.asn.au/conferences/2004/FR10-Martin,%20J.pdf
The 'Strategies with Kids - Information for Parents' (SKIP) program is a New Zealand community initiative to promote positive parenting and alternatives to corporal punishment. This paper outlines the program's development, which included a national survey and in-depth interviews of parents and caregivers conducted to determine baseline levels of community attitudes and behaviours. These surveys examined influences on parenting, cultural issues, attitudes to discipline, use of physical punishment, reasons for using physical punishment or not, use of alternative discipline strategies, and readiness for further information. The intended evaluation process is also noted.
Available from: Australasian Evaluation Society http://www.aes.asn.au
McKenzie, Kay.
Children talking about
physical abuse: can they tell it and is anyone listening?
Childrenz
Issues v.9 no.1 2005: 17-21, figure
This article presents matters relating to physically abused children arising from a large study by the author, as part of her PhD research. Children's readiness to disclose physical abuse and child abuse investigators' willingness to interview children were explored. Three hundred substantiated cases of child abuse (150 sexual-abuse and 150 physical-abuse investigations) investigated by the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services of New Zealand were analysed. Results showed that it was common for children to tell no one about being physically abused and that they often needed to be asked about the matter. Children under the age of seven and those living with various family problems were the least likely to disclose physical abuse spontaneously. It was also common for physically abused children not to be forensically interviewed, and in one-third of the cases, children were not interviewed by anyone during the investigation. Implications of these findings are discussed and several recommendations are listed. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/cic/
Mouzos, Jenny; Makkai, Toni.
International violence against women survey: Australian component
report.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal v.29 no.2 Mar
- Apr 2005: 32-33
A summary of the report, Women's experiences of male violence: findings from the Australian component of the International violence against women survey, is presented in this article. It presents an overall picture of women who experienced violence, intimate partner violence, non partner violence and child victimisation. It discusses perceptions and reactions to violence and policy initiatives.
Available from: Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal, PO Box 502, Matraville NSW 2036. Email journal@aihwj.com.au. Internet http://www.aihwj.com.au
Mutimer, Annette; Reece, John; Matthews, Jan.
Parenting practices and their relationship to resilience in
preschool children.
In: Moore, K. ed. Psychology making an impact:
proceedings of the Australian Psychological Society 42nd Annual
Conference, 25-29 September 2007, Brisbane, Qld. Melbourne, Vic:
Australian Psychological Society, 2007, p287-291 (PDF on CD-ROM, whole
volume 4.4MB)
In resilience research, few studies have examined the importance of specific parenting practices and their influence on children's resilience. This study examines differences in parenting practices amongst four identified subgroups from a larger sample. The four subgroups were defined according to their resilience status. Parents of 428 preschool children provided information on child behaviour, daily hassles, stressful life events and parenting practices. A significant difference was found amongst groups on two aspects of parenting practices: parental involvement and corporal punishment. Of particular note were the results from the resilient group (high stress, positive adaptation), the good expected group (low stress, good adaptation) and the poor expected group (high stress, poor adaptation). Parents of resilient children had higher scores on parental involvement than those in the poor expected group. Parents of resilient and good expected children had significantly lower scores on corporal punishment than those in the poor expected group. (Author abstract, edited)
Available from: Australian Psychological Society http://www.psychology.org.au
New Zealand. Office of the Children's Commissioner. Young
People's Reference Group.
Young people's voice on
discipline: a statement on the repeal of Section 59 and child discipline
in New Zealand.
Children (Office of the Commissioner for Children)
no.59 Summer 2006: 12-13, and Online (PDF 828KB whole issue)
http://www.occ.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/2939/CC_Newsletter_Summer2006.pdf
The feelings of young people in New Zealand about problems associated with child discipline, child abuse, and Section 59 of the Crimes Act are presented. The article supports the repeal of s59. It looks at definitions of discipline, the distinction between discipline and punishment, the use of physical force in the discipline of a child, and the effect of violence on children.
Available from: Office of the Children's Commissioner http://www.occ.org.nz/
Newell, Peter; Wood, Beth.
Eliminating corporal punishment: a worthy aim for the current
United Nations Secretary General's Study on Violence Against Children.
In: Blossoming of our children: 10th Australasian Conference on Child
Abuse and Neglect: papers, presentations and abstracts. Christchurch,
NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2006, 6p; 12p, Online (PDF
131K (paper); 60K (presentation))
http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/accan/papers-presentations/abstract150v.shtml
The UN Secretary General is carrying out a global study on violence against children. This paper explains why corporal punishment is a serious issue in all cultures. It considers the global progress towards achieving law reform to protect children from violence and humiliation.
Available from: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/
Nicholson, Alastair.
Choose to hug
not hit.
Australian Children's Rights News no.43 May 2007:
16-31
This article is an edited version of a speech marking International No Smacking Day. Children are the only members of the community that may legally be subjected to assault. In Australia, parents may use the defence of reasonable chastisement, and some Australian states still permit corporal punishment in schools and prisons. As with many other countries, this is in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The author calls for law reform and, more importantly, community education to change attitudes. This article discusses Australian and international law reform and case law, community and media attitudes on 'smacking', the lack of short term benefits of punishment and the potential longer term effects of promoting bullying and domestic violence.
Available from: Defence for Children International (DCI) Australia http://www.dci-au.org/
Pereira, Tino.
A Pacific perspective
on physical punishment.
Childrenz Issues v.8 no.2 2004:
27-29
A personal view on physical punishment as a way of disciplining Pacific children is presented, beginning by looking back historically to show that physical punishment as a child rearing practice is not fundamentally Samoan culture, that it came with the transformation to Christianity and is part of a larger culture. The author argues that there is a way forward. The way lies within the families, and within the Pacific cultures. He advocates turning to the churches for solutions - where the problem once started is also where the solution most probably is.
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/CIC/CIC.html
Pritchard, Rhonda.
Children are
unbeatable: 7 very good reasons not to hit children.
Wellington,
NZ: Office of the Children's Commissioner, UNICEF New Zealand and the
Families Commission, 2006, 51p, and Online (PDF 785 KB)
http://www.occ.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/3293/OCC_Children_are_Unbeatable_Pritchard.pdf
Seven reasons not to hit children are discussed in this book: hitting children leaves them feeling hurt and confused; hitting children is a breach of their human rights; hitting children does do them harm; hitting can lead to injury; the 'rod' is not for hitting, but for guiding and comforting; hitting conflicts with the essential goals of raising children; and hitting is not necessary to control children's behaviour. Principles of positive parenting and practical discipline suggestions for parents are included in this booklet.
Available from: Office of the Children's Commissioner http://www.occ.org.nz/
Smith, Anne B.
What do children learn
from being smacked? Messages from social science theory and research.
Childrenz Issues v.8 no.2 2004: 7-15
This paper presents selected findings of a detailed review of the research literature on family discipline. It covers the difference between discipline and physical punishment; what children learn from smacking; the evidence about the effects of physical discipline in relation to social behaviour, cognitive effects, quality of parent child relationships, mental health and moral internalisation; and the principles of effective discipline. The conclusion drawn from the review of the research is that there is little evidence to recommend retaining physical punishment as a method of disciplining children. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/CIC/CIC.html
Smith, Anne B.
The effects of
physical punishment.
Developing Practice: The Child, Youth and
Family Work Journal no.15 Autumn 2006: 10-17
Research on the effects of physical punishment on outcomes for children is reviewed. The following effects are discussed: social behaviour, cognitive effects, quality of parent child relationships, mental health, moral internalisation, and culture and ethnicity. The article argues that there is little evidence to recommend physical punishment by parents and that it has overwhelmingly negative long term effects.
Available from: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies http://www.acwa.asn.au/
Smith, Anne B.
The state of research
on the effects of physical punishment.
Social Policy Journal of New
Zealand no.27 Mar 2006: 114-127, and Online
http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj27/the-state-of-research-on-effects-of-physical-punishment-27-pages114-127.html
Physical punishment has been revealed to be a predictor of a wide range of negative developmental outcomes. The extent of agreement in the research literature on this issue is unusual in the social sciences. Physical punishment is associated with increased child aggression, antisocial behaviour, lower intellectual achievement, poorer quality of parent child relationships, mental health problems and diminished moral internalisation. The evidence about whether physical punishment results in short term compliance is mixed, however, short term compliance can be achieved as effectively without using physical punishment. Physical punishment has negative effects on child outcomes, especially if it is harsh, regardless of culture. When punishment use is normative in a culture, the effects are slightly less negative. Research findings support ongoing efforts to help parents use more positive methods of parenting, and the removal of a defence in law for the use of physical punishment against children. (Journal abstract, edited)
Available from: Ministry of Social Development http://www.msd.govt.nz/
Smith, Anne B, ed.; Gollop, Megan M, ed.; Taylor, Nicola J,
ed.; Marshall, Kate A, ed..
The discipline and
guidance of children: messages from research.
Dunedin, NZ:
Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, and Office of the
Children's Commissioner, 2005, 165p, and Online (PDF 2.27 MB)
http://www.occ.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/3318/OCC_Discipline_and_Guidance_Messages_from_Research.pdf
This report is intended to provide parents and professionals with information about the effects of physical punishment on children's behaviour and well being. The authors provide information on the following areas: context and theoretical background; effects of physical punishment; factors which influence parental disciplinary practices and attitudes; cultural issues; children and young people's perspectives; international law; international developments; and effective discipline and supporting change. The review concludes that physically punishing children should be avoided and that children are more likely to become responsible members of society when discipline focuses on sensitivity to others and good models of behaviour.
Available from: Office of the Children's Commissioner, PO Box 5610, Wellington, NZ. Email children@occ.org.nz. Internet http://www.occ.org.nz
Smith, Anne B; Gollop, Megan M; Taylor, Nicola J; Marshall,
Kate A.
The discipline and guidance of children:
a summary of research.
Dunedin, NZ: Children's Issues Centre,
University of Otago, and Office of the Children's Commissioner, 2004,
37p, illus.
Intended to provide parents and professionals with information about the effects of physical punishment on children's behaviour and well being, this report is a summary of the international research evidence about the discipline and guidance of children. The report outlines the New Zealand context, and the international context. It then presents chapters on the difference between discipline and punishment; challenges faced when doing research on family discipline and punishment; theories about family discipline; the effects of physical punishment; what is meant by effective discipline; six principles or characteristics of effective discipline; whether parents can change; and what children think about physical punishment.
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email cic@otago.ac.nz. Internet http://www.otago.ac.nz/cic/
South Australia. Children in State Care Commission of
Inquiry.
Interim report of the Children in State
Care Commission of Inquiry.
Adelaide, SA: Children in State Care
Commission of Inquiry, 2005, 83p, Online (PDF 680 KB)
http://www.service.sa.gov.au/ContentPages/sagovt/files/mullighaninquiry%2FCISC%2520Interim%2520Report%252012%2520May%25202005%2520-%2520SUPERSEDED.pdf&ei=Jw6bSIDqF4jiiAG-0-nzBg&usg=AFQjCNFi4Lf1qkXK9Vpxvm5B3Z8sl9z2sg&sig2=qiMPajuDMhuYdYj9b0LkRw
The Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry was appointed to inquire into allegations of sexual abuse of children in state care in South Australia, and into allegations of criminal misconduct resulting in the death of a child in state care. This interim report sets out the terms of reference, background and scope of the inquiry, and presents a progress report on the evidence of allegations of sexual abuse and death in state care received by the Commission up until 6 May 2005.
Available from: Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry, GPO Box 858, Adelaide SA 5001. Internet http://www.service.sa.gov.au/
Stokes, Kanewa; Sheehan, Nancy.
Strategies with kids, information for parents (SKIP): research
report.
Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Social Development, 2005,
31p
This research was undertaken to inform the development of New Zealand's positive parenting Strategies with Kids - Information for Parents (SKIP) project. This report presents the key findings, discussing influences on approaches to parenting and care giving, cultural issues, physical discipline, profiles of those using physical discipline, readiness to engage with SKIP, and engagement with community organisations.
Available from: Ministry of Social Development http://www.msd.govt.nz/
Taylor, Nicola.
Physical punishment
of children: international legal developments.
New Zealand Family
Law Journal v.5 no.1 Mar 2005: 14-22
Physical discipline of children has been a widespread and accepted practice in many countries, supported by legal defences justifying the reasonable chastisement of wives, servants and apprentices as well as children. With the elimination of these defences in the western world in respect to adults, the question of children's legal status and rights is raised. Thirteen countries have now banned the physical punishment of children, while many others have outlawed its use in schools and other institutions but still allow it in the home. This paper surveys international legal developments concerning the abolition of physical punishment, and other legal initiatives to clarify the limits of the defence of reasonable force. It then considers the implications for New Zealand law.
Available from: Butterworths, Locked Bag 2222, Chatswood Delivery Centre, Chatswood NSW 2067. Internet http://www.butterworths.com.au
Tucci, Joe; Mitchell, Janise; Goddard, Chris.
Crossing the line: making the case for changing Australian laws
about the physical punishment of children.
Ringwood, Vic:
Australian Childhood Foundation, 2006, 37p, tables, Online (PDF 763 KB)
http://www.childhood.org.au/downloads/Crossing%20the%20Line%20Report.pdf
Should parents have access to a legal defence that permits them to use physical force against their children? A representative sample of 720 adults in Australia was surveyed to determine community attitudes to the physical punishment of children. This report argues that the defence of lawful correction is outdated and recommends changes to the law and community education. It discusses: research about the physical punishment of children; impact of physical punishment on children; children's perspectives about physical punishment; how common physical punishment is; laws covering physical punishment; Convention on the Rights of the Child; international laws; Australian jurisdictions; increase in support for the use of implements to punish children; community tolerance of children experiencing pain in the name of discipline; support for smacking; smacking as a last resort; physical punishment and age; the effectiveness of smacking; changes in community tolerance of violence towards children; and the line between physical punishment and abuse.
Available from: Australian Childhood Foundation http://www.childhood.org.au/
Wilkstedt, My; Murachver, Tamar.
New
Zealand policy on the discipline of children within the family.
Childrenz Issues v.10 no.1 2006: 40-42
In this paper the authors examine the beliefs held within New Zealand society that are associated with the acceptance of physical punishment as a means of disciplining children. Using the results of a cross cultural study, the authors show that parental use of physical punishment is upheld by various components. These include a general acceptance of violence, a conceptualisation of the parent child relationship as a struggle for control, and a lack of understanding about child development. The authors conclude by considering strategies for change towards a more positive future for New Zealand families. (Journal abstract)
Available from: Children's Issues Centre, University of Otago http://www.otago.ac.nz/cic/
Wood, Beth; Buckley, Sue.
The impact
of a television current affairs programme on attitudes to physical
punishment.
In: Blossoming of our children: 10th Australasian
Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: papers, presentations and
abstracts. Christchurch, NZ: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse,
2006, 8p; 12p, Online (PDF 148K (paper); 93K (presentation))
http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/accan/papers-presentations/abstract126v.shtml
Many child protection advocates want Section 59 of the New Zealand Crimes Act 1961, relating to physical punishment of children by parents, repealed. This paper analyses the impact of a media presentation of the physical punishment debate on teacher trainees. The participants were surveyed about the impact of the documentary on their views on the physical punishment debate. Results will inform efforts on how to change public opinion about physical punishment. The paper discusses the views of the students on smacking as part of discipline; their understanding of the implications of a repeal of s59; and change in their views of the debate on the use of physical punishment after viewing this videotape. The paper includes participants' comments.
Available from: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/
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