Definition
The term corporal punishment is a corporal punishment, which was formerly called corporal punishment. It is a punishment against the physical integrity of a person that serves the purpose of punishment and is intended to cause temporary physical pain. Examples of corporal punishment are caning, stinging, flogging, bastinado and slapping. Punishment is a highly controversial form of punishment in society, which is accepted and practiced in different cultures and religions.
What is allowed for children?
Physical punishment of children is prohibited without restriction. Educational punishments may be used to punish children who do not follow rules or even put themselves in danger, for example by running a red light. Punishment is allowed in the form of an unpleasant consequence that follows the adolescent’s misconduct or the ending or future absence of a situation that is pleasant for the child as a consequence of the negative behavior. The following topic might also be interesting for you: Child rearing
What is not allowed?
Physical punishment of children in the form of corporal punishment is generally prohibited. The law on the outlawing of violence in education states the following: “Children have a right to an upbringing free of violence. Physical punishment, mental injuries and other degrading measures are not allowed”.
The quoted §1631 paragraph 2 BGB (German Civil Code) represents a prohibition for parents to physically punish children. This means that corporal punishment of children is not allowed under any circumstances. As an educational measure, corporal punishment is illegal and may not be used in the family or in educational institutions. Parents and educators may educate and punish children by using educational means such as praise and rebuke or by using punishments, for example, prohibition of television or house arrest.
Punishment on the butt?
In the past it was common to punish children by hitting them on the bare bottom. Nowadays, it is strictly forbidden to hit the bottom, whether naked or clothed. The prohibition of corporal punishment on the bottom is enshrined in law. Nevertheless, this form of punishment is still used in many cultures today.
