No to flogging - Gov't urges parents to use non-physical forms of discipline

 PORT-OF-SPAIN (CMC):

The Trinidad and Tobago government has called on parents to use "non-physical forms of discipline" when dealing with their children after a video went viral on social network showing a mother beating a 12-year-old for more than six minutes.

"The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development has noted with concern the viral video of a mother beating her young daughter for allegedly posting inappropriate photos of herself on the popular social media site Facebook," the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development said in a statement.

CONSIDER OTHER FORMS

"The ministry wishes to advise parents there are different forms of discipline which should be considered when dealing with children.

"The ministry strongly advocates the use of non-physical forms of discipline. Physical forms of discipline can lead to harm and unintended consequences, including serious injury, poor mental health or even death," it said.

But the mother of the child, Helen Bartlett, speaking on radio here yesterday, said she had "no regrets about disciplining my child" after the video had been shared more than 43,300 times on social networking sites.