[Child physical punishment: opinions of the children from 2 schools]

To measure the proportion, reasons and frequency of battering and punishment, we surveyed seventh and eight grade children coming from a low and middle income area, state funded school (n = 84) and from a payed, private and catholic school (n = 98). Of children coming from the payed school, 67% lived with both parents and battering was more intensely rejected, compared to 85% of children coming from the state funded school. The most frequent type of punishments were admotions and restrictions; limb pulling and shaking at the payed school whereas hand and belt battering at the state funded school were the most frequent types of physical punishment. Eighty six percent of children coming from the state funded school and 54% coming from the payed school admitted having been battered. The mother was the leading user of battering for 87% of children at the state funded school and for 77% of children at the payed school; the figures for the father were 36 and 68% respectively. Lack of academical performance, defiance and running away from home were the principal justifications for punishment at the state funded school; defiance and sexual relations were so at the payed school. It is concluded that the frequency of battering is related to the social environment and that its eradication is difficult since 26% of children considered it as an acceptable rearing method.