VANUATUVANUATUAccording to statistics from UNICEF on violence in the family, in 2005-2006 more than three quarters (78%) of children aged 2-14 years old experienced violent discipline (physical punishment and/or psychological aggression).
(UNICEF, 2011, The State of the World’s Children, Table 9: Child Protection, www.unicef.org/sowc NY: UNICEF)
Research conducted for Pacific Children's Program by a team from the University of South Pacific found that corporal punishment is common and can be severe. The rationale for its use is to "teach children about correct thinking and appropriate behaviour", although it is often administered in anger. The most common type of punishment is "whipping", used in the home and in schools.
(Hughes, D., 2002, Qualitative Study on Child Protection Practices: Vanuatu Report, University of South Pacific, Report prepared for International Development Support Services, Pacific Children's Program)