Raise your hand against smacking! is a Council of Europe campaign against corporal punishment of children. Corporal punishment is the most widespread form of violence against children and is a violation of their human rights. Ineffective as a means of discipline, it conveys the wrong message and can cause serious physical and mental harm.
The Council of Europe is challenging corporal punishment by campaigning for its total abolition and by promoting positive, non-violence parenting in its 47 member states. As part of this campaign, we have produced the awareness-raising material found on this website and which is available to all of our partners.
Twenty two member states have abolished corporal punishment all together and 6 more are committed to follow. Many well-known persons, including heads of state and artists, have lent their names to support our campaign. We hope you will join us in spreading the campaign's message and show your support online.
Campaign launch in Zagreb
Zagreb programme
Overview of the campaign