NI Charity Launches Campaign To Stop Physically Punishing Children

A charity in Northern Ireland has launched a campaign to stop physically punishing children.

Parenting NI has launched the STOP campaign which aims to highlight a positive parenting approach and to provide parents with support and information on options when it comes to discipline.

Muriel Bailey, Director for Family Support Services at Parenting NI said: "Parents have a hugely important but at times a difficult job. Every day we support parents who are dealing with complex family issues and when children's behaviour becomes challenging, parents stress levels can rise and at times this means that the situation may not always be managed in the best way. Reactive action can lead to physical punishment being used instead of a measured and thought out positive parenting style and techniques which would result in a more positive outcome.

"STOP is an acronym for Stop, Think, Options, and Positive Parenting; we want to encourage parents to stop and think of other ways to deal with the stressful situation before they act. Parenting NI will provide support and information on Positive Parenting strategies and alternatives to physical punishment to empower parents to make different choices."

Parenting NI will also be holding training workshops for professionals in Enniskillen, Omagh and L'Derry.

(CD/LM)