The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that excessive discipline aimed at destroying a child’s dignity constitutes child abuse under the law. This decision comes as the Court found a father guilty of violating Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, for his violent actions against his two children.
Between 2017 and 2018, a father inflicted severe physical punishment on his 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. Court documents revealed he kicked them, pulled their hair, struck them with wooden sticks and a dustpan, and hurled verbal abuse. The Court emphasized that such acts go beyond reasonable discipline and instead reflect malicious intent to degrade and harm the children.
Under Section 3(b) of RA 7610, any act that demeans a child’s dignity qualifies as child abuse. While parents have the right to discipline their children, the Court reiterated that this authority must not cross into violence, excessive force, or actions disproportional to a child’s wrongdoing.
This landmark decision reaffirms the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. It serves as a reminder to parents and guardians that physical and emotional abuse disguised as discipline will not be tolerated.
