Global Summit Proclamation

“I believe that corporal punishment should be abolished. Period. End of story,” declared 11 year-old Dawn Ford, of Dallas, Texas at the first Global Summit On Ending Corporal Punishment and Promoting Positive Discipline. We--academics, professionals, advocates, and youth from 24 nations--strongly agree.

From birth, children have the right to the same respect accorded to all persons. They deserve—and need—to live in a peaceful, loving, and secure environment.

Corporal punishment in all its forms, including what is called “spanking, smacking, paddling, etc.” has no place in our schools or homes.

We urge all parents, caregivers, educators, communities, and nations to end all forms of corporal punishment of children and embrace the safe, just, and effective alternative: positive discipline.

Adopted unanimously by proclamation at the end of the first Global Summit on Ending Corporal Punishment and Promoting Positive Discipline, Dallas, TX, June 4, 2011