Corporal punishment common in HK homes, Unicef survey finds

Twenty-one per cent of children were beaten by their parents in the past year, a Unicef survey has found.

Some 28 per cent had been scolded by their parents and 10 per cent had suffered negligence, the poll of 5,841 Primary Four to Secondary Seven pupils found.

The UN Children's Fund commissioned the University of Hong Kong's department of social work and social administration to conduct the survey last year.

Edward Chan Ko-ling, an assistant professor and the study's principal investigator, said corporal punishment was prevalent in Hong Kong. 'You may not see the harm [in using corporal punishment] right away, but the long-term trauma is obvious,' he said.

Professor Chan said children who received corporal punishment were often less self-confident, more emotional and had lower self-esteem than those who did not.

'Some parents say corporal punishment can help correct their kids' behavioural problems, but those who do not use it can also teach their kids to be well-behaved.'

Matthew Mo Nan-kit, executive director of the Hong Kong Committee for Unicef, urged the government to ban corporal punishment in the home. 'Many parents believe proper corporal punishment is okay, but how do you define 'proper'? Corporal punishment has already been banned in schools. Why can't we outlaw it at home as well?' he asked.