A survey titled "Parental Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in Romania" shows that Romanian parents are in the habit of subjecting their children to physical punishment. It goes for children of all ages and it is thought to be a disciplinary measure. Such attitude is much influenced by the old-fashioned minds of parents who disregard children's rights. The survey released yesterday was elaborated by "Copiii nostri" Foundation and "Step by Step" Center of Professional Education and Development, with support from the UNICEF representative to Romania. Project coordinators mentioned: "The information we got when working on it will contribute to the changing of old-fashioned mentalities and to the development of good practices to take care of and educate children, appropriate for their development needs. The survey also provides clear information about the specificity of parental competencies of Romanian parents." (...) The research on parental practices in Romania focussed on several matters: child nutrition, physical and psychical health, games and education for several age categories: toddlers, 1-3 year old, 3-5 and 6-7 year old children. Frequent physical sanctions What is indeed distressing is that there are physical sanctions for children of all age. Such practices are thought to be disciplinary measures. The punishment is meant to disciple children and parents use it once the child is over 1. For children over 1 parents start imposing rules and the breaking is punished. 88% of the people questioned believe punishments should be the same for boys and girls. As for 1-3 year old children, they get such sanctions, no matter if they live in villages or in cities and towns. Most frequently it is the mother who uses such means. Parents living in both villages and cities are also in the habit of praising children's positive activities. There are also parents who give gifts to reward children for good behaviour. (...)

Corina SCARLAT