Ending corporal punishment in schools: seven key steps for change

Lawmakers can follow seven steps to end corporal punishment in their country, particularly in schools.

• On International #EndCorporalPunishmentDay we recognise the rights abuses and harms caused by physical punishment of children especially in educational settings.

• The momentum is growing for a universal ban and Thailand is the latest country to outlaw all corporal punishment.

• For lawmakers wanting to effect a change, we have created a seven-step guide to that can support the elimination of corporal punishment in education settings based on work by End Corporal Punishment and the Coalition for Good Schools.

As well as violating children’s rights, overwhelming evidence shows that the use of corporal punishment has serious negative impacts on children, including on their educational achievements.

Nearly 40 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, prohibiting corporal punishment in law and eliminating it in practice in every country of the world and all settings is an urgent priority.

Sustainable Development Goal 16 includes a commitment to the universal prohibition of corporal punishment as a key component of delivering the goal to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence and torture against children.

68 states have fully prohibited corporal punishment, the latest of which was Thailand, and 27 more states have committed to reforming their laws to achieve a complete legal ban.

This means that only 15% of the world's children are fully protected in law from all corporal punishment.

In 62 countries, corporal punishment remains lawful in educational settings in 62 states.

Schools free of violence are a prerequisite to achieving SDG 4 - quality education for all.

Enacting the prohibition of corporal punishment in education is an essential foundation for stopping its use in practice. Violent punishment of children is widely accepted in most societies, and therefore, legislation must be clear that it is not lawful and must not be used in schools (and ideally in all other settings of children’s lives). 

However, passing a law that prohibits corporal punishment in education is not usually enough to eliminate it in practice.

‘Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools to Transform Education for All Children’ sets out seven steps based on work by End Corporal Punishment and the Coalition for Good Schools that can support the elimination of corporal punishment in education settings following the adoption of laws that make it illegal. 

The Seven Steps

1. Communicate What the Law Says

Passing legislation is crucial, but laws must be known and understood to be effective. Governments should conduct widespread public education campaigns to explain the ban on corporal punishment, why it exists, and how it will be implemented. Engaging teachers, parents, school leaders, children, and community figures ensures that everyone understands the law and their role in upholding it. Public communication efforts should highlight the harms of violent punishment and promote positive alternatives.

2. Engage the Whole School to Challenge Harmful Norms

Transforming school environments means tackling the cultural norms that tolerate violence. 

Lawmakers should support local schools along with the rest of the community (teachers, students, and families) in efforts to foster positive, respectful school cultures. Initiatives should focus on building "good schools" where respect and safety replace violence.

3. Provide Training and Support for Staff

Teachers and school staff are central to change. They need regular training on positive discipline methods and support to shift away from violent practices. Many teachers live in societies where corporal punishment is normalised. Positive discipline — which focuses on respect, empathy, cooperation, and building children's self-discipline — offers long-term solutions without using violence.

4. Establish Independent Reporting Procedures

Children and staff must have safe, confidential ways to report incidents of corporal punishment. A 2020 study found that when students perceived stronger school connectedness and safe reporting systems, incidents of physical violence dropped by 39%.

A regime of reporting is required (perhaps including mechanisms, such as anonymous complaint boxes or free child helplines) which should be well publicised and accessible. Reports must be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and followed up appropriately.

5. Establish Clear Responses and Sanctions

Banning corporal punishment is not enough — breaches must have consequences. Governments and education authorities should ensure clear policies are in place, making compliance with the law a condition of employment.

6. Monitor and Evaluate Progress

Monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure laws banning corporal punishment are properly implemented. Independent inspections should assess compliance, and governments should conduct surveys to measure shifts in school culture and public attitudes.

7. Celebrate Progress and Excellence

Progress in creating non-violent learning environments should be publicly recognised by local and national leaders along with schools and local communities. Sharing stories of good practice and creating professional networks can inspire wider change and accelerate progress across the education system.

The path to prohibition 

Corporal punishment in schools is not just a violation of children's rights — it undermines educational outcomes  and the societies in which children live.

The evidence shows real change is possible when governments commit to it.

On April 30 and afterwards, we urge policymakers worldwide to recommit to building safer, more supportive schools for every child.