Whereas, CP (including spanking, slapping, paddling, & hitting) is outdated, ineffective, and a violent form of discipline;
 

Whereas, CP of children is a violation of children’s human rights; (1)
 

Whereas, a large body of research has documented the associations between CP and a variety of negative behaviors and outcomes, such as aggression and depression; (2)
 

Whereas, CP has not been found by researchers to result in any positive outcomes except for immediate compliance; (2)
 

Whereas, CP does not promote positive, warm, and respectful relationships in schools or families; (2)
 

Whereas, use of CP can escalate to physical child abuse and the practice promotes a culture of violence in our society; (3)
 

Whereas, more than 30 countries have banned all forms of CP on children;

 

Therefore, be it resolved, that SRHD supports: Banning and eliminating corporal punishment of all children in schools, homes, and all locations.

 

Notes:

(1) Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 217A(lll) on Dec. 10, 1948.
 

(2) Gershoff, E. T. (2002). Corporal punishment by parents and associated child behaviors and experiences: A meta-analytic and theoretical review. Psychological Bulletin, 128, 539-579. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.128.4.539.
 

(3) Zolotor, A. J., Theodore, A. D., Chang, J. J., Berkoff, M. C., & Runyan, D. K. (2008). Speak softly—and forget the stick: Corporal punishment and child physical abuse. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35, 364-369. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2008.06.031.