Why is corporal punishment considered child abuse by activists?

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Corporal Punishment is Viewed as Child Abuse Due to Its Violation of Children's Rights and Potential for Harm

Corporal punishment is considered a form of child abuse by child rights advocates because it infringes upon a child's fundamental right to protection, potentially impacting their rights to development, participation, and survival. There is no objective way to distinguish between mild and severe physical punishment, and the belief that light corporal punishment is acceptable can lead to increased abuse. Children are recognised as individuals with their own rights, not as property.
Physical Punishment Violates a Child's Right to Protection

Child rights groups assert that physical punishment fundamentally violates a child's right to protection. This violation can have cascading effects, potentially hindering a child's development, limiting their ability to participate in society, and even impacting their right to survival. As a nation that has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Malaysia has a collective responsibility to uphold and promote these rights for all children.
The Impossibility of Measuring "Light" vs. "Grave" Corporal Punishment

Activists argue that the notion of "light" corporal punishment is a misconception, as there is no objective standard to define such a distinction. This ambiguity means that what one person considers a minor disciplinary measure could escalate into more severe abuse, particularly when applied to children. Such misconceptions can inadvertently lead to higher degrees of physical harm being inflicted.
Corporal Punishment Negatively Impacts Psychosocial and Mental Health

Beyond immediate physical harm, corporal punishment is recognised for its detrimental effects on a child's psychosocial and mental well-being. The psychological trauma experienced can have long-lasting consequences. This concern is echoed by the fact that a significant portion of calls to helplines for children are related to psychological problems, underscoring the mental health toll of such practices.
Children Are Individuals, Not Property

A core argument against corporal punishment is the recognition of children as individuals possessing their own inherent rights. Child rights advocates stress that children are not an extension of their parents or guardians, nor are they considered property or chattel. They are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, free from physical violence.

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Why is corporal punishment considered child abuse by activists?

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