A UNICEF report published in 2010 states that 70% of children aged 2-14 experienced violent discipline (physical punishment and/or psychological aggression) in 2005-2006. Nearly 60% experienced physical punishment, while a much smaller percentage (26%) of mothers and caregivers thought that physical punishment was necessary in childrearing, and non-violent discipline was also very widely used: experienced by 93% of children. Eight per cent of children experienced severe physical punishment (being hit or slapped on the face, head or ears or being hit over and over with an implement) and 53% experienced psychological aggression (being shouted at, yelled at, screamed at or insulted). No significant differences in children’s experience of violent discipline were found according to sex, age, household size, level of education of adults in the household, or engagement in child labour.
(UNICEF, 2010, Child Disciplinary Practices at Home: Evidence from a Range of Low- and Middle-Income Countries, NY: UNICEF)
According to statistics from UNICEF on violence in the family, in 2005-2006 children with disabilities were more likely to experience harsh discipline: 9% of disabled children aged 2-9 were hit on the face, head or ears, hit repeatedly or hit hard, compared with 4% of non-disabled children. Twelve per cent of girls and women aged 15-49 thought that a husband is justified in hitting or beating his wife under certain circumstances.
(UNICEF, 2009, Progress for Children: A report card on child protection, NY: UNICEF)
A survey of 939 school students concerning absenteeism and child-friendly primary schools by the Human Rights Commission of Belize (NGO) found that 39% of children’s opinions identified violent behaviour, including corporal punishment by teachers, as the aspect of school children liked the least.
(Hunt, H. 2003, Leave No Child Out - the report of a survey on why children don't go to school and on how schools can be child-friendly, Belize: Human Rights Commission of Belize)
In consultation for a report on the laws relating to corporal punishment, a group of seven 12-16-year-old children reported that children are beaten by parents, teachers, siblings, classmates and policemen, because these adults are angry, frustrated, sad, stressed, under pressure, drunk, on drugs, or have low self esteem. The beatings take place in the home, in school, on the street; they involve all parts of the bodies but especially children's backs, buttocks, head, hands and legs; and they occur almost every day. Beatings are done with a variety of instruments, including broomsticks, belts, electric cords, paddles and shoes.
(Hunt, H., 2003, Corporal punishment in Belize - the legal framework for violence against children, Belize: National Organization for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect)