Advocacy

Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth  

The Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth was developed by a national coalition of organizations facilitated by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Based on an extensive review of research, the Joint Statement provides an overview of the developmental outcomes associated with the use of physical punishment. The evidence is clear and compelling — physical punishment of children and youth plays no useful role in their upbringing and poses only risks to their development. The conclusion is equally compelling — parents should be strongly encouraged to develop alternative and positive approaches to discipline.

The pre-publication edition of the Joint Statement was endorsed by 138 Canadian organizations concerned with the well-being of children and youth and, by invitation, a number of distinguished Canadians. These endorsers were acknowledged in the first edition of the Joint Statement, which was launched at CHEO on September 29, 2004. The document is now in its fourth printing. At this update of the website, 388 organizations and several more distinguished Canadians are acknowledged for their endorsements. They are listed in the PDF below. A second edition of the Joint Statement will update research, Canadian and international developments regarding physical punishment, and the list of endorsers. Endorsements continue to be received and are welcome. 

In November, 2006, the Joint Statement initiative received the Ted Freedman Innovation in Education Award. This prestigious international award recognizes individuals and organizations that inspire, advocate and enable education in health care.

You may view and download from the PDFs below: the Joint Statement; its executive summary; endorsers' names; a note to potential endorsers; confirmation of endorsement form; memos to endorsers about physical punishment; a poster; backgrounders for the education, sports/recreation, and business communities; articles on physical punishment and children's health, and on physical punishment of children in sport and recreation; and a guide on positive discipline. You are welcome to circulate the documents as they are written (in hard copy or electronically), to link with this CHEO webpage, or to quote the Joint Statement with appropriate acknowledgment. Inquiries and endorsements may be directed as follows: email jointstatement@cheo.on.ca; fax 613-738-4801; or postal address CHEO, Partnerships and Advocacy, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1.