Stop hitting children

The government's move to restrict parents' rights to physical punishment of their children, has triggered a public debate.

In Korea, the ｅxpression "rod of love," refers to the old practice of parents hitting their children to discipline them and correct their behavior. The ｅxpression underlines that there is no harm intended and that parents do this only out of love for their children.

Several ministries announced together a package of measures to better protect the rights of children during a meeting presided by Prime Minister Lee Nakyon on May 23. Among the measures under consideration was banning parents by law from hitting children for the purpose of physically disciplining them. For this, the government is considering the revision of the Civil Act which allows parents the right to discipline their children, including using physical punishment.

The clause for physical punishment was first included in 1960 and has remained unchanged since. It is more than time to get rid of it as it has often been used to justify physical punishment of children.

The move has triggered some opposition from parents who believe that it is sometimes necessary to use physical punishment or it is not the state's job to govern parenting methods. However, the rising cases of domestic child abuse in Korea have highlighted the need to better protect children.

Physical violence should never be allowed at home under any circumstances. It should also be noted that many countries outside Korea ban physical punishment of children. This is the course we must also follow if we are to become a country that truly respects children's rights and dignity. In this regard, the government should also look into banning physical punishment completely at schools as well.