Factors associated with parental beliefs regarding child physical punishment in Bangladesh based on nationally representative data

Parents’ belief in the effectiveness of physical punishment increases its use and influences children’s emotional and behavioural outcomes. This study explored the factors associated with parents’ beliefs regarding physical punishment of children aged 5–14 years in Bangladesh. Data from 19,675 respondents in the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019 were analysed. Socio-demographic variables were included as key exposures and parental beliefs regarding child physical punishment served as the outcome variable. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests and significant predictors were identified through binary logistic regression analysis. The findings indicated that 34.57% of parents endorsed physical punishment as a means of ensuring proper upbringing. Significant predictors of this belief included the child’s age, sex, region, education level, household wealth quintile, mother’s education, and number of children. Parents of children aged 10–14 years were significantly less likely to believe that physical punishment is effective compared with those aged 5–9 years (AOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84–0.98). Similarly, parents of female children were less likely to believe in physical punishment compared to parents of male children (AOR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84–0.95). In contrast, parents were more likely to believe that children with functional difficulties needed physical punishment, with 47% higher odds compared to children without such difficulties (AOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.31–1.64). Child physical punishment is common in Bangladesh, with many parents considering it necessary for proper child-rearing. These beliefs were significantly associated with several child, parental, and household characteristics, indicating the important role of socio-demographic factors in shaping attitudes toward child discipline. Community-based awareness programs, school- and parent-focused educational interventions, and positive parenting initiatives may help reduce the social acceptance of physical punishment and encourage non-violent disciplinary practices. Policymakers should take necessary initiatives to change parents’/caregivers’ point of view regarding child physical punishment, with giving priority to vulnerable groups.