Save the Children Sweden’s latest short film, A Time for Change, had its world premier at the 17th ISPCAN International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect held recently in Hong Kong. The film presented the perspectives of children and adults on corporal punishment and highlighted the theme of this year’s conference: a caring and non-violent community – a child’s perspective.
In the short film, A Time for Change, Filipino children and adults spoke against the corporal punishment of children. Children described how they felt when they were physically or emotionally punished and what they think would be a better way of disciplining them. The film also featured interviews with parents, and showed the activities that the children and adults have undertaken as part of the national campaign against corporal punishment and the promotion of non-violent discipline for children.
The film was also launched by Save the Children Sweden in Manila on 9 October 2008 as part of our advocacy for a comprehensive law that would eliminate corporal punishment and promote positive discipline in the Philippines. An information pack consisting of five booklets that discuss various topics related to corporal punishment (background on corporal punishment, corporal punishment in the Philippine context, actions to end corporal punishment, positive discipline, and frequently asked questions on corporal punishment and website sources on the issue) was also distributed to legislators, NGOs, government agencies, and the media during the film launch.
Participants view the world premier of the film, A Time for Change, during the 17th ISPCAN International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Conference 2008 in Hong Kong. In this film, Filipino children and adults spoke against corporal punishment of children.
“You and I know that mild slaps and loving smacks are not different from maltreatment and abuse. Children do need to have the same protection as adults from any assault including under adequate legislation; a basic protection that we adults take for granted,” says Dominique Plateau, Save the Children Sweden’s Regional Child Protection Manager.
Photo and story by Pariphan Uawithya
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A Time for Change
Save the Children Sweden, 2008