Effective Discipline - The Dangers of Corporal Punishment
Addictions Among School-Aged Children
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, children and teenagers face a multitude of pressures that can sometimes lead them down the path of addiction. The adolescent years are a critical period of development marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes. As young individuals navigate the complexities of identity formation and peer relationships, they may encounter addictive behaviours that can have profound effects on their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.
Adolescent addiction is a growing concern that affects millions of families worldwide. The accessibility of technology, the pressure to fit in, and the increased availability of substances like nicotine have created a perfect storm for developing addictive behaviours. Recent studies regarding Adolescent Substance Use in a Global Context, found that 33% of adolescents had used substances such as nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs prior to the age of 19 (Mason, 2024) . The use of nicotine was particularly noted as a significant concern due to its addictive nature and the health risks associated with it. With a rise in vaping and substance use among teenagers, these substances pose a threat to their physical health and academic success.
Understanding the challenges of nicotine addiction among adolescents is crucial for parents who wish to support their children effectively. The normalisation of vaping and the easy availability of nicotine products throughout social gatherings, have significantly increased the likelihood of experimentation and subsequent addiction among teenagers (Ciranka, S., & van den Bos, W. 2021). For parents, awareness of these risks and proactive engagement in discussions about the dangers of nicotine is essential to help prevent addiction and promote healthier choices in their children.
Parents play a critical role in preventing and addressing these issues. By identifying the signs of addiction early, they can help prevent long-term consequences and promote healthier habits.
Risk Factors for Developing Addiction during the School-Aged Years
Addictive behaviors in adolescents are often driven by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Theories of addiction, such as the Biopsychosocial Model, emphasise the interplay between genetic predisposition, emotional well-being, and environmental influences (Skewes, M. C., & Gonzalez, V. M. 2013).
- Physiological Factors: Adolescents are at a developmental stage where their brains are particularly susceptible to addiction. The dopamine system, which plays a key role in the brain's reward pathway, is more active during adolescence, making teenagers more prone to seeking pleasurable experiences. This heightened sensitivity to rewards can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors, hence the increase in experimentation with substances. Due to the boys' prefrontal cortices not being fully developed, adolescent males are typically more likely to push the boundaries of risk taking behavior.
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to the development of addictive behaviors as adolescents turn to substances, or compulsive activities as coping mechanisms. The teenage years are often marked by emotional turbulence, and some adolescents may use addictive behaviors to escape negative emotions or to cope with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- Psychosocial Factors: Peer pressure and the desire for social acceptance can drive adolescents to engage in risky behaviors, such substance experimentation. The influence of peers and the desire to fit in can also increase the likelihood of experimenting with substances like alcohol and nicotine. Data from the Monitoring the Future Survey (2023) indicated that by the age of 12, around 10% of boys had tried alcohol, and by age 15, this figure rose to nearly 50% (Miech, R. A. et al 2024).
Understanding these underlying factors is essential for developing effective interventions. Practical implications include the need for parents to foster open communication, set appropriate boundaries, and provide emotional support to their children. By addressing the root causes of addiction, parents can help their children develop healthier coping mechanisms and build resilience against addictive behaviors.
"In the view of the Committee, corporal punishment is invariably degrading" - The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, in its General Comment No. 8 (2006)
Empirically Based Interventions and Strategies
Several evidence-based interventions can help mitigate and manage adolescent addictions. These strategies focus on addressing the root causes of addictive behaviors and promoting healthier habits:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be particularly effective in addressing technology and substance addiction by teaching adolescents coping skills and problem-solving techniques. CBT focuses on helping individuals recognise the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and empowers them to make positive changes. (For e.g. setting goals in regards to rehabilitation)
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, have been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation in adolescents. Encouraging mindfulness can help children develop greater self-awareness and resist the urge to engage in addictive behaviors. Mindfulness techniques can be integrated into daily routines, helping adolescents stay present and manage stress more effectively. Mindfulness routines are a great suppressor of cravings, individuals provide themselves with the ability to pause and reflect whilst actively drawing their thoughts away from their cravings.
- Family Therapy: Involving the family in therapy can enhance communication and strengthen family dynamics. Family therapy can address underlying issues and improve the support system available to the adolescent. It provides a space for family members to express their concerns, improve understanding, and develop strategies for supporting the adolescent's recovery.
- School-Based Programs: Schools can play a crucial role in prevention by implementing programs that educate students about the risks of addiction and promote healthy lifestyles. Peer support groups and mentoring programs can also be effective in providing positive influences. Educators can collaborate with parents to create a supportive environment that encourages students to make informed choices.
- Parental Monitoring and Involvement: Active parental involvement and monitoring of addictive behavior are crucial in rehabilitation. Setting clear rules and being aware of the child's activities are essential components of effective parental monitoring. Parents should engage in regular discussions with their children about online safety, responsible technology use, and the potential consequences of addictive behaviors.
Parent Support
Conclusion
Corporal punishment may provide immediate compliance, but it comes with significant risks to your child's emotional and mental health. By shifting to positive discipline techniques, you can guide your child toward better choices while nurturing a loving, trusting relationship. Remember, the goal of discipline is not to control your child but to teach them self-regulation, empathy, and respect for themselves and others. By using effective, non-punitive approaches, you’ll help your child develop intrinsic values and moral judgements, seeing them mature into a well-rounded individual capable of making thoughtful decisions.
Try This!
Try This: Practical Tips for Parents
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules regarding substance use and your children's capacities to acquire them. Make sure your child understands the reasons behind these rules and the potential consequences of addiction. Consistency is key, so ensure that rules are enforced fairly and consistently.
- Know What You’re Looking For: Children typically engaging in problematic addictive behaviors will tend to hide and conform their addictions to those that don’t judge and that typically follow in their actions. Parent’s looking for Nicotine products should be aware of the types, flavors, colors and aromas of these products. Most would be able to recognise a cigarette, but many vapes can take multiple shapes or forms, specifically designed to look inconspicuous to those looking at them.
- Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their concerns and experiences. Regularly check in with them about their feelings and social interactions. Listen actively and validate their emotions to build trust and encourage open dialogue.
- Promote Healthy Activities: Encourage your child to engage in physical activities, hobbies, and social events, whilst expressing the harming effects of substances. Help them find interests that build self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. Activities like sports, art, and volunteering can help adolescents develop skills, form positive relationships, and reduce stress.
- Educate About Risks: Discuss the dangers of addiction openly with your child. Use age-appropriate language to explain the risks associated with excessive substance use and the long-term effects of nicotine addiction. Share information and resources that highlight the potential consequences of addiction, and encourage your child to think critically about their choices.
- Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy habits and behaviors in your own life. Show your child the importance of balance and moderation in regards to substance and lifestyle choices. Model self-care practices and emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Children will not respect parental figures if they are observing the behaviors that they are preaching against them.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you notice persistent signs of addiction, consider consulting a mental health professional or addiction specialist. Early intervention can prevent more serious issues from developing. Reach out to school counselors, therapists, or support groups for guidance and resources tailored to your child's needs.
References
Alex Mason, W. (2024). Family Risk and Protective Influences on Adolescent Substance Use in Global Context. In Global Perspectives on Adolescents and Their Families (pp. 161-179). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49230-3_8
Becker, T. D., & Rice, T. R. (2022). Youth vaping: a review and update on global epidemiology, physical and behavioral health risks, and clinical considerations. European journal of pediatrics, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-021-04220-x
Ciranka, S., & van den Bos, W. (2021). Adolescent risk-taking in the context of exploration and social influence. Developmental Review, 61, 100979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2021.100979
Miech, R. A., Johnston, L. D., Patrick, M. E., O'Malley, P. M., & Bachman, J. G. (2024). Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975-2023: Overview and Detailed Results for Secondary School Students. Institute for Social Research. https://doi.org/10.3998/2027.42/142406
Skewes, M. C., & Gonzalez, V. M. (2013). The biopsychosocial model of addiction. Principles of addiction, 1, 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-398336-7.00006-1