1. Psychiatric Issues Associated with Corporal Punishment in School
John Fayyad MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Institute for Development Research and Applied Care (IDRAC)
Saint George Hospital University Medical Center
Balamand University, Faculty of Medicine
Presented at the National Awareness Raising Seminar on Corporal Punishment in Schools, Dec 3, 2005.

2. Corporal Punishment in School
Corporal punishment is a form of physical abuse.
Corporal punishment in school is an inappropriate form of disciplinary action in which children and adolescents are physically and/or psychologically injured by school personnel.

3. Psychological Consequences of Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment may be a traumatizing event for many children and adolescents
Increasing their level of stress significantly
Short and long term psychological consequences similar to those resulting from other forms of physical abuse
High risk to develop the following psychiatric disorders:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depression (MDD), Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Conduct Disorder (CD)

4. Psychological Consequences of Corporal Punishment
Short term:
anxiety and fear
disruptive, oppositional, violent behavior
poor academic performance
depression
Long term:
low self esteem
an increase in aggressive behavior
diminished ability for problem solving and conflict resolution
serious disturbances in breaking of social rules
problems in interpersonal relationships

5. The Equation of Abuse

6. Interventions for Prevention of Corporal Punishment
Children who are at a higher risk to be physically abused in school need to be identified and alternative strategies to managing their behaviors implemented.
School personnel who are likely to engage in corporal punishment need to be identified and targeted for specific interventions to give them more effective tools.
Factors in the school environment itself which facilitate and permit corporal punishment need to be addressed systematically and eliminated.

7. Is Physical Force Needed ?
Physical force or constraint by school officials may be needed under very limited conditions for example to restrain an assaultive child or adolescent who poses a danger of injury or harm to other students and staff.
 In such circumstances schools should develop a clear policy and plan regarding how to intervene in a safe and effective non-traumatizing manner.

8. Additional Awareness
School may be the ground where other forms of abuse may take place:
- teacher-student emotional abuse
- student-student bullying
These two forms may have serious adverse psychological consequences on children and adolescents.
Awareness must be raised…

9. Thank You!