Filtered By: Topstories
News

DSWD backs bill vs corporal punishment among children


MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday threw its behind a measure that seeks to penalize corporate among children. DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral said that if adults could lodge complaints against physical abuse, children should likewise enjoy the right to be protected from physical and psychological abuses including humiliation, as being pushed in House Bill 882. “We are supporting the bill na nagsasabing bawal ang corporal punishment para sa mga bata [corporal punishment among children is prohibited]… Mayroon naman tayong [We have] room for negotiation as far as what is allowed and what is not allowed as a measure to discipline the child," Cabral said. “Kailangan ipaala sa kanya na mali iyon [We have to remind children of their mistakes] in more empathic ways after talking to him and giving him chance," she added. Cabral said her agency was consulted during the crafting of the bill, authored by Tarlac Rep. Monica Prieto-Teodoro. The measure has been approved in principle by the House committees on revision of laws and the welfare of children. Under H.B. 882 adults would face punishment if they are proven to have slapped, kicked, burned, choked, beaten, pinched, whipped, twisted the ears of, threatened, terrorized, ridiculed, cursed, and belittled children for mere misbehavior or disobedience at home, in school, or in any other place. Cabral said punishing erring children through violent or humiliating ways should not come as a first instinct for adults. She said parents and school authorities should instead focus on how to to help children develop good values. “Bago tayo mag-isip ng kaparusahan dapat ipaintindi natin sa kanya na mali ang ginagawa niya. Bigyan natin siya ng magandang example [Before thinking of punishing children, let us first think about how we can make them realize their mistakes. We (adults) should serve as good example]," Cabral said. Other countries have already penalized corporal punishment, especially those in Scandanavia, which are at the “forefront of children’s rights in Europe," according to Cabral. The bill requires the DSWD and other government organizations and parent-teacher-community associations to work together in coming up with a program to prevent corporal punishment as a form of discipline in homes and schools. Once made punishable by law, victims of corporal punishment – like young victims of crimes – can be placed under protective custody of the DSWD. The victims would also be entitled to medical, legal, and counseling services. “Kailangan progressive ang discipline hindi naman komo mainit ang ulo natin ay matindi na ang parusa natin [Disciplining should be progressive and not solely fueled by anger]," Cabral added. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV
LOADING CONTENT