resolution

Prohibit Corporal Punishment in Schools and Childcare Facilities

2016 Book of Resolutions, #3087

Some schools and childcare facilities around the world permit striking another person for the purpose of causing physical pain.

Corporal punishment is humiliating and degrading to children, causing emotional and sometimes physical injury.

It is difficult to imagine Jesus Christ condoning any action that is intended to hurt children physically or psychologically. Jesus’ teachings on loving our neighbor and living in peace with one another are foundational for opposition to corporal punishment in institutions in ministry with and to children.

Corporal punishment sends a message that hitting smaller and weaker people is acceptable.

As people of faith who value children and who are committed to nonviolent conflict resolution, we are called to identify effective alternatives to corporal punishment that teach children to be self-disciplined rather than to submit out of fear.

Schools and childcare centers should inspire children to enjoy learning, and school and childcare personnel should be able to encourage positive behavior without hitting children.

Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church calls upon all governments and educational institutions to enact laws prohibiting corporal punishment in schools and day and residential childcare facilities.

ADOPTED 2004
AMENDED AND READOPTED 2012
RESOLUTION #3087, 2008, 2012 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION #69, 2004 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

See Social Principles, ¶ 162C.

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