Launch of "Children Are Unbeatable" - a new resource for parents

The Children’s Commissioner and UNICEF recently launched a new booklet and CD, Children are Unbeatable - 7 very good reasons not to hit children. It is a resource to help people better understand the issues surrounding physical punishment and why we need behaviour change towards more positive and respectful treatment of our children.

“There is ample evidence that hitting children causes harm and it is important that parents are aware of this information. Physical punishment is a long-held tradition in our society and one practiced across all cultures within it. It disadvantages children from all ethnic groups. It’s time to respond to the evidence by changing our behaviour” said Children’s Commissioner Dr Cindy Kiro.

“Children are Unbeatable is an educational tool that will help people understand the risks associated with hitting children and the positive parenting strategies that are significantly most effective in disciplining children. Increasing community understanding about this will enable children to reach their full potential and make our society less violent,” said Dr Kiro.

UNICEF New Zealand Advocacy Manager, Beth Wood supported these statements, saying, “Children are Unbeatable brings together a lot of helpful information in a way that is easy to read and will help parents to understand the compelling reasons to avoid using physical punishment. It will be a valuable resource for parent educators and parents alike.”

“We welcome this contribution to public understanding about the dangers in using physical punishment, including the link between hitting and child abuse.”

The book and CD can be ordered from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, phone 0800 22 44 53, or email children@occ.org.nz . Or the book can be downloaded from: http://www.occ.org.nz/childcomm/resources_links/reports_publications/chi...