Pretoria – The Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini has once more encouraged parents to use other forms of discipline as opposed to corporal punishment on their children.
“Teenagers need caring adults to help them control their behaviour and should be able to respect the parent or caregiver’s authority without harsh discipline such as corporal punishment, verbal abuse and name calling,” Minister Dlamini said.
She said harsh discipline was harmful to a child’s self-esteem which makes it difficult for them to have respect and may condition a child to use violence to solve their own problems.
As South Africa commemorates Child Protection Week from 31 May to 7 June, Minister Dlamini said the Children’s Act discourages any form of violence against children, while the children’s rights sector argues that any physical punishment is unconstitutional.
The Department of Social Development is rolling out a parenting skills programme known as Active Parenting of Teenagers, which is aimed at highlighting the challenges facing parents of teenagers.
The programme explores the stage of adolescence and its dynamics; it assists parents in understanding their teenagers and also enables parents to better deal with the challenges of raising a teenagers as well as highlighting the support system that can be accessed by parents.
“We encourage parents to give positive attention to their children by listening to and respecting them. And if the teen does not seem to be interested in bonding, parents should keep trying,” she said.
Minister Dlamini said parents could also improve their relationship with their children by allowing teens to be themselves.
She said being a parent of a teenager is not easy as the teen is finding their own way, testing the limits and discovering who they are.
“Sometimes parents may feel that their teens are moody, rebellious and do not appreciate them as parents.
“In as much as the adolescent years can be trying, they don’t have to be tumultuous if parents know what to expect,” Minister Dlamini said.
The department has a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of violence.
The toll free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling.
Callers can also request a social worker to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone. – SAnews.gov.za
