Parents and caregivers can discipline children to offer context-dependent examples of cause and effect. However, when discipline puts a child at risk of harm or directly causes harm, it may constitute child abuse. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that most cases of child abuse occur within the home, and that children are more likely to become abused by someone they already know.
About Child Discipline
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), disciplining children helps them to learn standards of acceptable behavior, experience the effects of their behavior and gain the skills needed to act and responsibly. Parents and caregivers can use discipline to promote cultural values, behavioral traits and teach children to follow directions and rules. However, discipline does not replace the need for role models, who provide a source of emulation and inspiration to children.
About Child Abuse and Child Neglect
Child abuse can be defined as an act by an adult, which results in or creates a risk of emotional or physical harm, according to the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003. By comparison, child neglect comprises a failure to act which puts a child at risk of serious harm. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that each year, three million cases of child abuse and neglect involving almost 5.5 million children are reported. However, the AAP cautions that more cases may be undocumented due to emotional complications, such as fear, guilt or shame, which prevent children from revealing their situations.
When Discipline Becomes Abuse
When parents suggest or model positive behavior rather than criticizing misbehavior, they are exercising positive discipline. Alternatively, caregivers may reward good behavior with privileges, such as a trip to the park or an allowance.
By contrast, parents who discipline by means of criticizing, name-calling or strong physical intervention may be considered abusive. Parents with inadequate support systems or stress management techniques may be unwilling or unable to discipline more constructively. Adults who themselves experienced abuse as children have particularly urgent needs for support, states the AAP. Moreover, parents whose lack of guidance and supervision places children at risk may be considered neglectful, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Effects of Discipline and Child Abuse
Constructive discipline can enable children to follow directions, differentiate between right and wrong and respect authority. With the boundary between parent and child intact, the two may safely interact with familiarity and affection.
However, child abuse and neglect can damage children and the parent-child relationship. According to the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, warning signs of children who have been abused include abrupt disinterest in school or other activities, an inability to concentrate, sudden compliance or sense of being withdrawn or wary, or a refusal to have contact with the parent. Meanwhile, abusive parents may have over demanding or negative standards for their child, or they may refuse to provide support to their children.
Child Discipline Strategies
Parents should think before acting, cautions the Nemours Foundation. Parents who consider the outcome of their behavior and the example they set as role models may prove able to control their behavior and clearly communicate their concerns, expectations and standards. The Department of Health and Human Services encourages parents to also recognize positive and responsible behavior, whenever possible. Parents can also ask children to reflect on their own actions, to encourage a sense of conscience and understanding of standards. Lastly, parents who feel unable to provide adequate discipline should seek outside support as soon as possible.
References
- US Department of Health and Human Services: Family Guide: What is Discipline?
- U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services: Administration for Children and Families: Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003
- HealthyChildren: Family Life: Disciplining Your Child
- KidsHealth: What is Abuse?
Member Comments