Date: March 2007

Canada – Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth – Update

The Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth, developed by a national coalition of children and youth organisations in Canada, is now endorsed by 246 organisations and several more distinguished Canadians – almost double the number at its original launch in November 2004.

The Statement provides an overview of the developmental outcomes associated with the use of physical punishment, based on an extensive review of research. It concludes:

“On the basis of the clear and compelling evidence – that the physical punishment of children and youth plays no useful role in their upbringing and poses only risks to their development – parents should be strongly encouraged to develop alternative and positive approaches to discipline.”

For further details, including the full Joint Statement, an executive summary and an up to date list of organisations endorsing the Statement, please see www.cheo.on.ca/english/4220.shtml (English) and www.cheo.on.ca/francais/4220.shtml (French).

For further information on Canadian law relating to corporal punishment, see the Global Initiative country report for Canada and a summary of key court judgments since 2000.

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