Adults beaten as kids more willing to use physical discipline

Young adults who were physically punished as children are far more likely to say they intend to hit their own children in the future, compared with those who were not physically disciplined. This is one key finding from a new study which sheds light on how corporal punishment is passed down from one generation to the next, led by a psychology professor from NTU. And this is especially pertinent in Singapore, where such practices remain common. Assoc Prof Setoh Pei Pei, who led the study, said: “The norms are so strong that we may not really question or reflect: Does it have to be this way? We should take this opportunity to reflect on our approach to discipline. Not as a tool for punishment or control, but to guide and teach, and help our children learn the skills they need to make good choices on their own.” The study also looked at the link between various forms of discipline and their link to long-term behavioural issues.

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