Teaching children with violence

Timorese communities believe that the only way to teach children is with violence. They do not have the tools or knowledge and therefore understanding that there are more productive and effective ways to parent.

Many participants found it difficult to understand or accept that children should be taught without the use of violence, and said that children would no longer respect their parents if they were not taught with physical force. Many participants admitted often using violence when trying to educate or discipline their children. Participants often remarked that children no longer respect their parents. Almost all participants said that it was necessary to explain to children the difference between their rights and their obligations because people only talk about rights but they forget about obligations.

How can we educate our children if we cannot use force? We have an obligation to teach our children if they oppose us.*

I believe this is a result of the patriarchal, hierarchical, communitarian and poorly educated societies. Only with better education and economic security (particularly for women), will the idea of communication as a tool to resolve problems take root.

*JSMP Training in the Districts of Timor-Leste 2005: Report, Reflection and Recommendations, Judicial System Monitoring Program, Dili, Timor-Leste, January 2006, p. 10

Category: Timor-Leste (East Timor)