Haslam, Divna M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5354-8710, Malacova, Eva, Higgins, Daryl, Meinck, Franziska, Mathews, Ben, Thomas, Hannah, Finkelhor, David, Havighurst, Sophie, Pacella, Rosana ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9742-1957, Erskine, Holly, Scott, James G. and Lawrence, David (2023) The prevalence of corporal punishment in Australia: findings from a nationally representative survey. Australian Journal of Social Issues (AJSI). ISSN 1839-4655 (Online) (doi:10.1002/ajs4.301)

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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 necessaryThe 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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	beliefs; corporal punishment; parenting; prevalence; violence
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) K Law > K Law (General) L Education > L Education (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Vulnerable Children and Families
Last Modified:	09 Jan 2024 12:30
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/45267

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