Authors

• Sariola, Heikki (Central Union for Child Welfare)

Keywords

child abuse, child protection, child safety, children, corporal punishment, domestic violence, parent attitude, parental role, parents

Abstract

The data are part of Central Union for Child Welfare study that investigates the use of corporal punishment in upbringing and attitudes towards it in Finland. Face-to-face interviews were carried out in summer 2004 as part of an Omnibus study conducted monthly by Taloustutkimus.

The respondents were asked what was the biggest threat facing a child's well-being (e.g. lack of parenting, drugs) at the time and whether they thought corporal punishment was acceptable at least in some cases. Those who did not have children were asked whether they thought they would use corporal punishment in raising them. Further questions focused on how the respondents would act if they noticed someone in their social network using corporal punishment against children and from whom/which institution they would require aid in helping a child or young person who has problems.

Background variables included, among others, the respondent's gender, age, employment status, economic activity and occupational status, marital status, household composition, consumer durables in the household, number of inhabitants in the municipality of residence, municipality type, Internet use, and number and ages of children living in the household.