A rising tide of modern parenting is directly challenging the physical and verbal punishment of children, igniting new debates about child rights, parental stress, and the legal status of corporal punishment worldwide—including in England, where the issue has come under fresh scrutiny. As discussion grows following high-profile endorsements of gentle, respectful parenting, Thai families and policymakers may find themselves reflecting on the country’s own traditions, laws, and cultural attitudes toward discipline.
For decades, harmful phrases and harsh discipline have been a staple in parenting across different societies, often masked as “tough love” or necessary guidance. Popular social media trends in 2025 have parents asking their children to “complete” infamous disciplinary sayings—like “I’ll give you something to…” or “Children are to be…”—with many young children answering with unexpectedly loving or positive conclusions. Such viral moments demonstrate a generational shift: today’s parents, more than ever, are striving to break the cycle of punitive approaches that, research shows, can have long-term psychological effects (The Guardian).
Why does this matter for readers in Thailand? Traditional disciplinary practices, including corporal punishment and harsh verbal corrections, persist both at home and in many Thai schools. The same is broadly true in the United Kingdom, where, notably, smacking remains legal in England and Northern Ireland—while Scotland and Wales have outlawed it following mounting pressure from child welfare experts (UNICEF). This parallel raises key questions for Thai society: How do we weigh cultural heritage and family autonomy against modern evidence about child development and children’s rights?
Recent scientific research has documented how negative parenting—particularly shouting, humiliation, or smacking—can alter the developing brain and have profound effects on well-being into adulthood. As Prof Eamon McCrory, a leading UK psychologist, emphasized to British lawmakers, “[Verbal abuse] can profoundly shape our sense of self and whether we feel lovable and confident in navigating an unpredictable world,” affecting life-long outcomes (The Guardian). Peer-reviewed studies echo these findings, linking adverse childhood experiences to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and even chronic physical illnesses later in life (JAMA Network, PubMed).
But the discussion is far from straightforward. Parenting in any society includes moments of stress, fatigue, and doubt. Many adults, including public figures like former First Lady Michelle Obama, have admitted resorting to physical discipline before ultimately rejecting it as ineffective and potentially damaging. “It took a couple of spankings for me to be like, yeah, you know what, this is a little kid and the fact that I can’t think of any better way to get my point across… I felt embarrassed,” Obama confessed in a recent interview (The Guardian). Such statements resonate with many Thai parents navigating social expectations, generational advice, and their own feelings of guilt or uncertainty.
Old arguments—“I was smacked and it didn’t do me any harm”—are now challenged by pediatric experts and rights advocates. Author Eloise Rickman, speaking to British media, summarizes: “One of the very few things in parenting where you can say absolutely 100% this is not good for children… is smacking.” She and other child rights experts highlight the insidious nature of “adultism”—the idea that adults’ power and opinions automatically outweigh those of children. This persistent dynamic shapes not only family life, but also the broader legal and educational frameworks in countries like the UK and Thailand.
Indeed, in England, the law still allows parents to physically punish their children—contrary to recommendations by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which the UK and Thailand have both signed. Yet while several European countries have criminalized all forms of corporal punishment, and UNICEF continues to campaign for global bans (UNICEF Thailand), Thai law remains ambiguous. Section 1567 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code permits “reasonable chastisement,” which human rights groups argue creates dangerous loopholes (Child Rights Coalition Asia). Additionally, although Thai government agencies have promoted positive discipline, actual enforcement varies, and many teachers and caregivers still use physical or shaming punishment (Human Rights Watch).
Cultural context, however, cannot be understated. In both the UK and Thailand, older generations sometimes dismiss “gentle parenting” as overindulgent—a perspective not uncommon in Thai discussions about discipline, where idioms and Buddhist teachings have traditionally emphasized filial respect and obedience. “If you spare the rod, you spoil the child,” is a refrain that still finds support in many communities, despite scholars pointing out that it may misinterpret the original intent of such proverbs in Buddhist and Western philosophy.
Yet research from child-friendly societies like Italy, where the Reggio Emilia educational model emerged as an explicitly anti-authoritarian, relationship-based alternative to punitive discipline, offers further evidence that children flourish when respected and heard. Italy’s approach arose in opposition to fascism and values solidarity—when a child cries in public, adults respond with sympathy, not scolding. Rickman and others suggest that such social support for parents can be a protective factor, enabling healthier discipline and more joyful family life (Reggio Children).
Looking ahead, legal reforms alone may not be enough. Both British and Thai social commentators stress the need for holistic community support, mental health resources, and public conversations that value children’s voices. England’s legal situation—where the UNCRC has not been fully embedded in domestic law—mirrors Thailand’s, where similar gaps persist between international promises and practical realities. For Thai families, strengthening the social safety net and offering accessible parenting education programs could help reduce parental stress and foster child-centred practices (UNICEF Thailand).
Historical memory is also vital. From the trauma of child “discipline” during wartime or times of rapid social change, to reforms sparked in the wake of highly publicized abuse scandals, societies progress at different rates. In Thailand, public debates on school violence, hazing, and “krabi-krabong” traditions in education have led to waves of reform, but deep cultural attitudes linger despite policy changes (Bangkok Post). Widespread campaigns, child advocacy groups, and the growing influence of social media have begun to give children a more prominent voice in these conversations.
The future may depend on a blend of new laws, community supports, teacher training, and above all, a willingness by adults to listen—even when it means questioning long-held assumptions. For Thai readers, “breaking the cycle” does not mean rejecting all tradition, but distinguishing between cultural values that nurture children and outdated practices that science, and children themselves, tell us are harmful.
So what practical steps can Thai families and policymakers take as modern parenting philosophies gain ground globally? Experts recommend:
- Privileging children’s perspectives in discussions of discipline—regularly ask how they feel about family rules and practices.
- Supporting national and local initiatives for positive, non-violent parenting education, including in Buddhist temples, public schools, and community centres (UNICEF Thailand).
- Advocating for legal clarity by amending or updating laws that permit corporal punishment—or by closing loopholes that undermine children’s rights as guaranteed by the UNCRC.
- Building social support networks for parents, so that when frustrations arise, adults are less likely to “lose control” or feel alienated in public spaces.
- Fostering public debate, leveraging Thai traditions of compassion (metta) and community responsibility as springboards for child-friendly policies.
Every family struggles at times; perfection is not the goal. But by centering scientific evidence and children’s experiences, Thailand has the opportunity to join a global movement turning away from abusive discipline—a movement that respects both heritage and the potential of the next generation.