Children and Violence
Resource site developed from the course CDE 498: Children and Violence
Violence has always been a part of the human experience, manifesting in various forms such as war, child abuse, murder, and schoolyard bullying. It often impacts children, who may be innocent victims or, in some cases, perpetrators. Researchers are increasingly interested in the effects of violence on children, with psychologists, sociologists, family scientists, and educators seeking ways to prevent violence or reduce its impact. The goal is to help children lead positive and fulfilling lives.
This site offers resources for those interested in exploring topics related to children and violence. It was developed from the course "CDE 498: Children and Violence." We hope this page provides helpful access to the complex issue of children and violence.
Contact us:
Faculty Supervisor:
Denise Bodman, [email protected]
Graduate Students:
Gabrielle Murillo, [email protected]
Kyrie Dukepoo, [email protected]
Jordan Romeo, [email protected]
Lily Tran, [email protected]
Explore topics:
Spanking and Corporal Punishment
One of the most talked-about parenting topics is spanking, also called corporal punishment. For many years, researchers have studied spanking and how it affects kids. What the research shows is that spanking hurts brain development.
Spanking can cause:
- Increased aggression (4)
- Problems in school (4)
- A higher chance of mental health issues (1)
- Future drug and alcohol abuse (1)
- Violence in future relationships (6)
Children who are spanked less do better overall, especially when their parents are warm and loving (2). Stress can make it hard for parents to stay calm when dealing with their children’s behavior (5). Parenting classes and community groups can be helpful. This can help parents feel like they are not alone and more likely to use positive ways to guide their children (3). It’s easier to not spank when friends, family, and neighbors agree that spanking is harmful (3). The good news is that it’s never too late for parents to try new ways of guiding their children. Making these changes can create healthier, happier families.
Additional Resources for Parents:
Zero to Three
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/positive-parenting/
Zero to Three covers a wide range of topics and serves as a valuable resource for positive parenting, including specific strategies, their benefits, and practical tips for managing stress.
CDC – Positive Parenting Tips
The CDC offers positive parenting tips for different age groups and information about child development, safety, and health.
https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/index.html
Healthy Children – American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org
The AAP parenting website provides practical information for parents about managing their children’s behavior and summarizes some of the research about spanking and its effects on development.
Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child
https://developingchild.harvard.edu/
The Center on the Developing Child offers resources about the science of child development, child mental health, and stress and resilience.
National Initiative to End Corporal Punishment
https://www.endphysicalpunishment.org/
The NIECP website includes insights into the research surrounding the effects of spanking, along with effective and culturally sensitive strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
References
Afifi, T., Ford, D., Gershoff, E., Merrick, M., Grogan-Kaylor, A., Ports, K., MacMillan, H., Holden, G., Taylor, C., Lee, S., & Bennett, R.P. (2017). Spanking and adult mental health impairment: The case for the designation of spanking as an adverse childhood experience. Child Abuse & Neglect, 71, 24-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.01.014.
Alampay L. P., Godwin, J., Lansford, J. E., Bombi, A. S., Bornstein, M. H., Chang, L., Kirby, D.-D., Giunta, L. D., Dodge, K. A., Malone, P. S., Oburu, P., Pastorelli Concetta, Skinner, A. T., Sorbring Emma, Tapanya Sombat, Tirado Liliana M Uribe, Zelli Arnaldo, Al-Hassan, S. M., & Bacchini Dario. (2017). Severity and justness do not moderate the relation between corporal punishment and negative child outcomes. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 41(4), 491–502. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165025417697852
Fleckman, J.M., Taylor, C.A., Theall, K.P., Andrinopoulos, K. (2018). Perceived social norms in the neighborhood context: The role of perceived collective efficacy in moderating the relation between perceived injunctive norms and use of corporal punishment. Child Adolescent Social Work Journal 36, 29–41. https://doi.org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/10.1007/s10560-018-0581-1
Gershoff, E. T., Lansford, J. E., Sexton, H. R., Davis-Kean, P., & Sameroff, A. J. (2012). Longitudinal links between spanking and children’s externalizing behaviors in a national sample of White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian American families. Child Development, 83(3), 838–843. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01732.x
MacKenzie, M. J., Nicklas, E., Brooks-Gunn, J., & Waldfogel, J. (2011). Who spanks infants and toddlers? Evidence from the fragile families and child well-being study. Children and Youth Services Review, 33(8), 1364–1373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2011.04.007
Temple, J. R., Choi, H. J., Reuter, T., Wolfe, D., Taylor, C. A., Madigan, S., & Scott, L. E. (2018). Childhood corporal punishment and future perpetration of physical dating violence. The Journal of Pediatrics, 194, 233–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.10.028