One in Two Croatian Children Physically Punished, UNICEF Study Finds

A recent UNICEF study in Croatia reveals a concerning prevalence of corporal and psychological punishment among children. The research indicates that approximately 60% of children have experienced psychological punishment, while a significant 15% have faced threats of parental abandonment. Worryingly, one in two children reported experiencing some form of physical punishment from their parents within the last year.

The study highlights that more severe forms of physical punishment, such as slapping or hitting with objects, increase with the child's age. Many parents reported feeling stressed, tired, and insecure during challenging moments with their children, often citing a lack of support and practical advice. Common reasons given for resorting to physical or psychological punishment include feeling overwhelmed by the child's behavior, not knowing alternative approaches, and losing control.

Luisa Brumana, head of UNICEF Croatia, stated, "Most parents in Croatia know that non-violent parenting is best for their children. When some of them still resort to physical or psychological punishment, it is often because they do not know how else to guide a child's behavior in challenging situations, and they lack support from the wider family and community."

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Most parents in Croatia know that non-violent parenting is best for their children. When some of them still resort to physical or psychological punishment, it is often because they do not know how else to guide a child's behavior in challenging situations, and they lack support from the wider family and community.

In response, UNICEF has launched the campaign "Even a Little Violence is Too Much – Let's Learn About Parenting." This initiative aims to raise public awareness and provide accessible support for parents, promoting positive parenting and non-violent disciplinary methods. The campaign encourages open, non-judgmental conversations about parenting, emphasizing that no parent is perfect and seeking help is a sign of responsibility, not weakness. Brumana added, "Parenting is one of the most beautiful, but also most demanding, roles in life. Many parents try to balance work and family care every day, facing new challenges brought by the modern era, while also wanting to be present and supportive of their children. That's why with this campaign, we want to clearly tell parents that they don't have to be perfect and that they are not alone."

UNICEF warns that even mild forms of physical and psychological punishment can negatively impact a child's self-confidence, sense of security, emotional well-being, and mental health. Resources, including expert advice and information on available support, are accessible through UNICEF's online Parent's Corner and social media channels.

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Parenting is one of the most beautiful, but also most demanding, roles in life. Many parents try to balance work and family care every day, facing new challenges brought by the modern era, while also wanting to be present and supportive of their children. That's why with this campaign, we want to clearly tell parents that they don't have to be perfect and that they are not alone.