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National Health And Morbidity Survey 2016 : Maternal And Child Health (MCH) Volume II : Findings

7.2. Child Discipline

Contributors : Shubash Shander Ganapathy, Nik Mazlina Mohammad, Rajini Sooryanarayana, Rosliza Abdul Manaf,
Azriman Rosman, Norazizah Ibrahim Wong, Tahir Aris

7.2.1. Introduction

Child discipline is necessary to teach the child self-control and acceptable behavior. This is an
essential part in the development of the child’s ability to handle conflict and manage emotions.
Positive parenting methods reinforces good behavior and also encourages and instills responsibility.
It builds upon the child’s self-esteem, physical and psychological integrity and dignity. However, we
too often see the use of punitive and physical punishment on children to intimidate and punish the
child, with detrimental effects.

Different cultures often have differing views on acceptable levels of punishment and discipline towards
a child. A study in Singapore had reported that in a multiethnic society, it is often hard to reach a
1
consensus to determine the boundary between physical punishment and abuse. Maltreatment and
violence may affect the child’s development and learning abilities, leading to poor self-esteem,
2
emotional disturbances and even depression. Respondents of this questionnaire were asked a series
of questions on the methods of discipline used by the respondent or any family member in the past
one month on the selected child and their perceived need for physical punishment towards children.
Discipline is divided to any form of violent punishment and only non-violent punishments. Violent
punishment consists of psychological aggression and physical punishment.

7.2.2. Findings

7.2.2.1. Disciplinary methods used

Our study shows that 70.8% of children aged 12-59 months received some form of violent
disciplinary method from their parents or caregivers. Psychological aggression was high at
57.8% among parents and caregivers in Malaysia. 55.0% of children received some form of
physical punishment however severe physical punishment method was low at 5.2%.

Female children between the ages of 12-59 months were more likely to receive only non-
violent disciplinary methods at 30.5% compared to males at 24.4%. Male children were more
commonly subjected to all other forms of punishment, including psychological aggression and
physical punishments. Children aged 12-23 months were commonly subjected to only non-
violent discipline at 38.0% compared to children of other age groups. These younger children
also had the lowest prevalence in any physical punishment or violent disciplinary methods at
43.0% and 60.0% respectively. It is seen that as the children age, the occurrence of physical
punishment increases and the only non-violent discipline decreases.

The Malay and Chinese ethnicities used more only non-violent disciplinary methods compared
to Indians, other Bumiputeras and other ethnicities. Indians were seen to be highest to practice
psychological aggression at 66.9%. Other ethnic groups had the highest prevalence of any
physical punishment and violent discipline, at 64.6% and 77.4% respectively. Malaysian
citizens practiced higher only non-violent discipline compared to non-Malaysians. They also
practiced lower psychological aggression, any physical and severe physical punishment and
any violent discipline compared to non-Malaysians. Parents who are single (never married,
separated, divorced or widowed) were more prevalent in using only non-violent disciplinary
methods at 42.7% compared to married or co-inhabiting parents at 27.3%. Single parents
also had a lower prevalence of psychological aggression, any physical and severe physical
punishment and any violent disciplinary method compared to those in the latter group.

1. Ngiam, X.Y., & Tung, S.S. (2016). The acceptability of Caning Children in Singapore. Journal of Development & Behavioral Pediatrics, 37 (2), 158-163
2. Bureau of Statistics Punjab. MICS 2014 Final Report. Available at bos.punjab.gov.pk/finalreport. Accessed July 22, 2016