Corporal Punishment - Modern Use

Modern Use

The earliest recorded attempt to prohibit corporal punishment of children by a state dates back to Poland in 1783. However, its prohibition in all spheres of life – in homes, schools, the penal system and alternative care settings – occurred first in 1979 in Sweden. The new Swedish Parental Code reads: “Children are entitled to care, security and a good upbringing. Children are to be treated with respect for their person and individuality and may not be subjected to corporal punishment or any other humiliating treatment.” By now 32 states have completely prohibited corporal punishment of children by law. In addition, supreme court rulings prohibits CP in 2 further states while another 21 states have officially committed to full prohibition. State that have completely prohibited corporal punishment of children by law are, in chronological order:

For a more detailed overview of the global use and prohibition of the corporal punishment of children, see the following table.