In the state of Utah, individuals are legally allowed to physically strike their children so long as there’s no lasting mark present (Prevent Child Abuse Utah, 2023). Corporal punishment may result in immediate compliance, but it also lacks promoting any positive lasting consequences.
Research has shown that children that have experienced discipline in this form are put at an increased risk for mental health issues and harmful behaviors (World Health Organization, 2021). While corporal punishment may not leave physical scars, there are many things to be said about the lasting impact of this maltreatment.
Although children are classified as a protected population in the state of Utah, we still allow what would be considered assault among two adults to be just a difference in disciplinary styles when it’s between a child and an adult. Yet, despite the stark physical and mental power imbalance many turn a blind eye.
A survey conducted in 2020 found that Utahns reported higher rates of physical, emotional and sexual abuse when compared to the rest of the country; consequently, we also have some of the highest suicide rates in the country (Utah Department of Health, 2020; Chow, 2022).
Abuse affects everyone — friends, families and our communities at large. This is more than a parenting issue, it’s a state issue.
Tiffany Hernandez Olivas, Salt Lake City
