Abstract
This research study on the physical punishment of children and youth was conducted over a 6-month period in the North-West Frontier region of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Interviews were conducted with parents, k-12 teachers, administrators, and students. The influence of religio-social expectations and values were studied with their effect on behavior. The study showed a rampant use of physical punishment by both teachers and parents for the school children. Many who used physical punishment on the children were themselves recipients of punishment as they were growing up and it was perceived largely as something that must be done to maintain order, or to sustain or ingrain moral values. The study looked at the effect this had on the children and the difference in punishment between boys and girls. Lastly, some alternatives to physical punishment are discussed.