Citation

Ngiam XY, Tung SS. J. Dev. Behav. Pediatr. 2016; 37(2): 158-163.

Affiliation

Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health Systems, Singapore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/DBP.0000000000000247

PMID

26760375

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a worldwide phenomenon with far-reaching negative consequences, and physical abuse is its most visible and widely reported form of maltreatment. There is a fine line between nonabusive physical punishment and physical child abuse, and where this line is drawn is often influenced by prevailing cultural practices and child-rearing beliefs. This article focus on Singapore-a modern Asian society that remains rooted in traditional attitudes and practices-as a case study in exploring the boundaries. In particular, the local practice of caning (hitting with a rattan cane) as a disciplinary measure for children, the ambiguity of the law on the issue of physical abuse, and the influence of judicial caning on the acceptability of this common practice are examined. Finally, the possible means of safeguarding children and discouraging the use of physical punishment in the home are discussed.

Language: en