Pediatricians Respond to Media Reports on Discipline

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ELK GROVE, Ill., Nov. 25, 1996-- Several recent media reports have erroneously stated the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics on discipline for children and teens. To clarify, the Academy position is that alternatives to physical punishment are preferable means of discipline.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long advised parents to find non-physical alternatives to spanking. Hitting, slapping, or spanking children as punishment shows them that it's okay to hit others to solve problems, and can train them to punish others in the same way they were punished.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a variety of discipline techniques, including "time-out." "Time-out" is what we call a "behavior modification technique." When used correctly, "time-out" is effective from the preschool period through early adolescence. It works because it simply removes the child from situations he or she is handling inappropriately, and it keeps the child from getting attention that could otherwise reinforce bad behavior.

Parents should feel free to talk to their child's pediatrician about ways to avoid inappropriate behavior by children, and about other alternatives to spanking by parents.

The root of the English word "discipline" is the Latin verb, "disciplinare" which means to teach or instruct. The goal of effective discipline for children is to teach them acceptable and desired behavior. That lesson comes from appropriate parental expectations, rules and behavior.

Punishment should be a small component of an overall strategy to help children develop self-discipline. The role played by physical punishment is still highly disputed and, in its harshest form, has been found to be harmful to later development. Punishment only informs children of what behavior is unacceptable; it does not teach them what behavior their parents would like to encourage.

In 1991, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy calling for a ban on corporal punishment in the schools. At this time, the Academy is drafting a new policy statement on effective discipline. Although the policy has not yet been finalized, it is anticipated that pediatricians will continue to advise parents to find alternatives to physical punishment.

Remember, discipline is supposed to teach and instruct. Parents should think about the lesson they are teaching their children through punishment, and make sure it's the lesson they really want their children to learn.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 51,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

CONTACT: AAP Division of Public Relations, 847-981-7877