The habit of physically punishing a child may lead to a feeling of inferiority, low self-esteem, and submission, and should not be toleratedArquivo/Wilson Dias/Agência Brasil

The Brazilian Senate approved this week the law which forbids parents and guardians from physically punishing minors. A heated debate ensued.

Experts told Agência Brasil that the habit of physically punishing a child may lead to a feeling of inferiority, low self-esteem, and submission, and that it should not be tolerated. However, to pass a law making the practice illegal does not solve the problem.

“We believe there’s no need for a law. Spanking children is never the best option. It’s best to advise them, make rules clear to them, and understand that all children need boundaries,” argued Luciana Barros de Almeida, chairwoman of the Brazilian Psycho-pedagogical Association. In her view, instead of using violence, parents should assert their authority and give clear instructions.

“Parents will often refrain from hitting their children, but will continue shouting and swearing, and that too is a transgression. We run the serious risk of having parents misinterpret the law and believe they can no longer say ‘no’ to a child, when actually, in everyday education, the word ‘no’ is necessary. Children should know how to deal with it so they learn to respect others and be tolerant,” she explained.

Liana Rosa Elias, director at the Brazilian Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Association, pointed out that Brazil’s Statute of the Child and Adolescent currently includes legal devices which determine what constitutes corporal aggression against children and adolescents. She says the priority now is promoting a cross-sector discussion, engaging schools and social work institutions.

“When a law says you shouldn’t do something because if you do you’ll be punished, without teaching an alternative, a number of side effects appear. It’d be interesting if the State focused its efforts on the promotion of different practices,” she said, adding that the slap should be treated as a cultural issue.

“I find laudable the initiative of fighting against violence, but we have to think about broader aspects. Why is the use of violence so widespread? This would bring about more effects than just passing a law. After all, does simply handing out a punishment solve the problem? Do people stop spanking when social workers knock on their door?” she questioned.

Children should know how to deal with a "no" so they learn to respect others and be tolerant, an expert says.Valter Campanato/ABr

Parents’ opinions diverge

Manager Carlos Damasceno, a 40-year-old father of four girls, said that one of his children “is rather naughty, and knows very well what spanking is.” He said he opposes acts of severe aggression, but believes talking to his daughters is not always enough. “There should be a boundary. After all, neither the State nor the police are the ones raising our children,” he remarked.

Damasceno’s opinion is shared by nurse Flávia Passos, 37. She argues that severe corporal aggression should be punished, but the odd swat is no big deal. “My grandmother used to be hit, and so did my mother, myself, and my sisters, and we’re all very balanced women today. Parents always want the best for their children, but there are moments when the slap is the only option that works,” she said.

Valquíria Alves, a 37-year-old mailwoman, is of the opinion that all sorts of physical aggression inflicted on children and adolescents should be rigorously punished. A mother of an 8-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, she swears she has never touched a hand on her children. “I used to be hit a lot as a young girl, and I don’t think this is a good way to bring up a child. I don’t beat my children. My strategy is to have a talk,” she declared.

Manuel Silva, 41 years old, father of two young girls, agrees with Valquíria, but argues that every parent should be entitled to choose the best way to discipline his/her children. “I was hit when I was little, and now I don’t think it’s right. Slaps are something of the past and shouldn’t be used as punishment,” he stated.

The law still awaits President Rousseff’s analysis. She will have 15 days to pass the law, and decide whether or not clauses will be vetoed.



Translated by Fabrício Ferreira