SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

A UNICEF report published in 2010 states that 89% of children aged 2-14 experienced violent discipline (physical punishment and/or psychological aggression) in 2005-2006. Nearly eight in ten experienced physical punishment, and 92% of mothers and caregivers thought that physical punishment was necessary in childrearing. Non-violent discipline was also widely used: experienced by 90% of children. Nearly one quarter 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 84% experienced psychological aggression (being shouted at, yelled at, screamed at or insulted). Boys were slightly more likely than girls to experience violent discipline: 90% compared to 88%. Children aged 5-9 were more likely to experience violent discipline than those of other ages: 91% of children aged 5-9 compared to 85% of children aged 2-4 and 88% of children aged 10-14. Children living in larger households were more likely to experience violent discipline: 90% of children in households of 6 or more people compared to 75% of children in households of 2-3 people. The statistics also suggest that children with more siblings are more likely to experience violent discipline in most countries involved in the study (p. 72). Children living in households with adults with a higher average level of education were less likely to experience violent discipline than those living with less educated adults. No significant differences in children’s experience of violent discipline were found according to engagement in child labour. 

(UNICEF, 2010, Child Disciplinary Practices at Home: Evidence from a Range of Low- and Middle-Income Countries, NY: UNICEF)