Spank Out Day

Spank Out Day was initiated in 1998 by EPOCH-USA to draw widespread attention to the need to end corporal punishment of children and to provide educational information to parents and caregivers care about nonviolent alternatives.

History of Spank Out Day

Sponsored by the Center for Effective Discipleship, Spank Out Day began in 1998 with the goal of ending corporal punishment such as spanking, and promoting nonviolent ways to teach children to behave suitably. Parents and caregivers of children are encouraged to refrain from spanking on that date, and to look for alternative forms of discipline that may be used in the future. Information events about child discipline are usually held on the same day.

Spanking is a controversial issue, with many experts opposing it, and some defending it, saying criticism of it is too extreme. In the 1950s, spanking was almost universally supported in the United States, but today support has dropped to about 70 percent. Around 300 million children aged two to four years receive some form of physical punishment around the world, and about 1.1 billion caregivers consider spanking essential. As of 2018, sixty countries have banned spanking. The first celebration was taken place at Sweden in 1979, but by 1996 only four more countries had done so. The recent increase in countries banning spanking began around 2006. In addition to the Effective Discipline Center focused on eradicating spanking, UNICEF and the Global Initiative to End All Punishment for Children is working to pass more laws around the world to ban this practice.

Using violent discipline such as spanking can have various negative effects on children. It shows them that violence is an accepted form of behavior, and can therefore cause them to become more aggressive and hit others. This behavior can even persist into adulthood. Some children who have been subjected to corporal punishment grow up with mental health problems as well. If children are spanked for antisocial crimes, they are likely to become even more antisocial.

There are many ways to punish children, excluding the use of force and pain. Establishing rules and consequences is important. Talk to your child with effective explanations, arguments, and verbal corrections, as well as praise good behavior. Setting a positive example and being a good example can also help children before they do something that incurs punishment. Other effective forms of punishment include running out of time and taking away toys or privileges. The effects of non-violent discipline are useful in the development of children including caring, responsible, and self-disciplined adults.

How to celebrate Spank Out Day

If you are a parent or caregiver of children, you are encouraged not to spank them on that day that is a day to reflect on how you can create a not only supportive but also loving relationship with the children in your life. This can also be a day to attend informational events about alternative forms of child discipline. Check if your city has any events. You can also explore some resources from the Center for Effective Discipline, read about some alternatives to corporal punishment, and see what the American Academy of Pediatrics has to say on the matter.