Violent Discipline and Parental Behavior: Effects of Digital Parenting Support in Jamaica
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Abstract
Approximately 5% of children aged 2 to 4 worldwide are regularly subjected to violent discipline. We study the impact of a digitally-delivered intervention on positive parenting practices in Jamaica using a randomized control trial. Results show that the intervention improves caregiver knowledge (0.52 SD), and attitudes around violence (0.2 SD). Caregiver violence against children decreases (0.12 SD). As a result of the program, children experience fewer emotional problems (0.17 SD). We also find reductions in caregiver depression (0.12 SD), anxiety (0.16 SD), and parental stress (0.16 SD) nine months later. The digital delivery has important scalable policy implications which could help decrease violence against children worldwide.
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