Viral Video Rekindles Debate On Child Abuse

A viral video posted online by Nigerian human rights activist Mr. Harrison Gwamnishu captured the moment a mother aggressively beat her daughter.

The footage which has been viewed by thousands has sparked heated debate on social media. The incident in Lagos has drawn widespread attention, although the names of the mother and the child involved were not disclosed.

While Mr Gwamnishu strongly condemned such aggressive punishment, stating that “there’s a difference between disciplining a child and committing a crime”, opinions remain divided. Some defend the mother’s actions as a discipline necessary to shape a child’s future. Others argue that such violence is harmful, warning it can damage a child’s emotional development.

Scenes like this are not new in Nigeria. For many, corporal punishment is a deeply ingrained part of parenting–a tool used to correct, instruct, and instil respect and responsibility.

“That’s how our parents raised us,” some argue. “And we turned out fine.”
While parents need practical training methods for their children, concerned individuals warn that discipline must reflect love and guidance, not fear.

“Discipline is important to shape a child, but we have extremists among our parents. Some parents will not stop beating a child until he or she bleeds.

“This is wrong; this is abuse. Such punishment may correct behaviour temporarily, but it often damages a child’s self-esteem and emotional security in the long run,” says Mr Emmanuel Oluwaseeni, a former school teacher based in Oyo.

“Children learn better through positive reinforcement, communication, and consistency, not fear,” he added.

Research supports Mr Oluwaseeni’s claims, showing that children subjected to frequent corporal punishment are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, aggression, and difficulties with social relationships later in life.

Additionally, the World Health Organisation notes that corporal punishment triggers harmful psychological and physiological responses. Recurrent exposure tends to normalise violence as a method of problem-solving.

As conversations about child discipline continue to evolve, experts urge parents to adopt healthier, nonviolent methods of correction.