UNICEF presents research on violence in child-rearing: every second child experienced physical punishment in the past year

Zagreb, 1 October 2025 – Ahead of the International Day of Non-Violence, UNICEF presented the research “Violence in Child-Rearing in Croatia: What Parents Do, How They Think, and What Needs to Change” in Zagreb. The study was conducted in cooperation with the Hendal agency, with expert support from Prof. Emerita Marina Ajduković, PhD, and Associate Prof. Miroslav Rajter, PhD. The research provides a comprehensive insight into parental knowledge, attitudes, parenting practices, and the socio-cultural and gender norms of parents and caregivers related to violence against children and adolescents within the family. It highlights the need for systematic support for parents and a shift in societal norms.

The research shows that most parents in Croatia believe that non-violent parenting methods are effective and beneficial for child development, and that physical and psychological punishment is harmful. Nevertheless, violent parenting practices remain prevalent. Hitting, yelling, and belittling are still common disciplinary methods used by parents, especially in challenging parenting situations – when they want to teach their child proper behavior, when under stress, or when they lose self-control.

The latest data reveals that every second child in Croatia has experienced physical punishment in the past year. The most common forms include spanking on the buttocks, pulling ears or hair, and slapping on the face, which becomes more frequent as the child gets older. Psychological punishment was experienced by 60% of children in the past year, most often manifested through aggressive yelling, insults, threatening to beat the child, and threatening to leave the child.

Some parents do not recognize yet all forms of physical and psychological punishment as violence harmful to a child’s development, but rather as part of “strict” parenting. One in four parents believe that violent methods are effective, while one in five thinks that a child sometimes deserves a slap.

Experts warn that violence in child-rearing leaves long-lasting consequences for children. Physical and psychological punishment affects their self-confidence, ability to learn and function in school, their relationships, causes mental health issues, and can lead to self-harm, and risky or violent behavior.

„Today, the majority of parents in Croatia know that parenting without violence is best for their children. When some still resort to physical or psychological punishment, it is often because they do not know how to guide their child’s behavior in challenging situations differently - and they lack the support of their extended family and community. Ensuring that every child in Croatia grows up in a nurturing, violence-free family environment must be a priority for all of us. Together, we have both the obligation and the opportunity to expand support services to reach all parents in need and to encourage communities to fully embrace non-violent parenting”, said Luisa Brumana, UNICEF Croatia Representative. 

The research also showed that parental practices are strongly influenced by societal expectations, lack of support in child-rearing, and their own childhood experiences.

“In the past 20 years, there has been a significant decrease in the use of violent parenting practices, especially physical punishment. Parents often know what is right, but in moments of stress and frustration, they resort to methods they themselves experienced as children. That’s why it is crucial to provide them with knowledge, tools, and support to raise children in a safe and non-violent environment”, emphasized Prof. Emerita Marina Ajduković, PhD.

“Support for parents must also include working with the entire community. Almost half of parents believe that other parents would view them negatively if they did not use any form of psychological or physical punishment. Parents are also strongly influenced by grandparents, with whom they have the most disagreements about child-rearing, besides those with each other. It is necessary to change ingrained habits and social norms”, added Associate Prof. Miroslav Rajter, PhD.

To support parents, UNICEF and experts recommend:

• Strengthening the legislative framework and consistently enforce the ban on physical punishment of children
• Recognize psychological violence as a serious threat to child well-being
• Integrate positive parenting into national plans and educational curricula
• Ensure accessible, inclusive, and practical support programs for parents
• Empower local communities to promote positive parenting (non-violent parenting practices)
• Develop digital tools for education, counseling, and self-help of parents
• Invest in mental health services and psychosocial support for parents, especially those facing difficulties
• Conduct public campaigns promoting non-violent parenting methods and reducing the stigma of seeking help
• Introducing mandatory education on positive parenting for professionals working with children
• Strengthening local communities and intersectoral cooperation
• Actively involves media, the business sector, and sports in promoting non-violent child-rearing

More information on the research findings and resources for parents is available in UNICEF’s Parenting Corner.