MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that disciplining children becomes child abuse when it involves violence and intent to harm their dignity.

In a recent decision, the SC upheld the conviction of a father for child abuse after subjecting his 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son to violent punishments from 2017 to 2018. 

These included kicking his daughter, pulling her hair, hitting her with a nail-studded wooden rod, striking both children with a dustpan, and cursing at them.

The father claimed he was disciplining his children for misbehaviors like losing money and skipping meals. 

However, the SC ruled his actions were excessive and showed intent to degrade the children’s dignity, violating Republic Act No. 7610, a law protecting children against abuse.

The Court noted that while parents have the right to discipline their children, it must not involve violence or actions that demean their dignity. 

Without intent to harm dignity, offenders may face other penalties under the Revised Penal Code, the High Court said.

The father was sentenced to four to six years in prison, fined P45,000, and ordered to pay P180,000 in damages to his children.

In October 2024, the Philippine National Police reported that there were 18,756 cases of violence against children reported in 2024. 

Of this number, the PNP Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division and Children Protection Center said most of the cases were child abuse with 7,933 reported cases; followed by rape with 7,262 incidents; and acts of lasciviousness with 2,049.