Corporal Punishment in Schools in Andhra Pradesh, India: Children’s and Parents’ Views

This working paper contributes to available research on the effects of corporal punishment on children and its implications for their capacity to benefit from school. It looks specifically at the experiences of children aged between 8 and 16 in Andhra Pradesh, India, as the topic is often under-researched in developing countries.

Descriptive statistics are produced from an analysis of Young Lives household survey and school survey data to indicate the extent of punishment in schools. An analysis of interviews with children and their parents or caregivers is also given. Children’s perspectives on corporal punishment are also given: why punishment, how it makes them feel, how it affects their learning, and how it impacts their decision to stay in school or to start working.