TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — International “Spank Out Day” has been held annually on April 30 since 1988, calling for an end to physical punishment of children by parents, caregivers, teachers, and administrators.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) on Monday (April 30) encouraged parents to adopt a positive, encouraging attitude towards parenting and called for an end to spanking and other forms of physical punishment. Huang said parents should foster good relationships with their children based on love and respect.

"Spank Out Day" was launched by a U.S. NGO that advocated for an end to corporal punishment, which it said is not an ineffective way of educating children and could cause regrettable and tragic injuries. Taiwan has been a participant in the international event since 2006, per CNA.

Huang said parents should guide their children to grow and encourage communication and respectful, long-term interactive relationships. Furthermore, by avoiding corporal punishment, parents could escape the tragic cycle of violence.

Huang said citizens witnessing child abuse should dial “110” or the “113” protection hotline, or make a report on the Social Safety Net E-Care website. 

Tainan City Government has implemented programs to protect the safety of children, such as protecting children under six years old with parenting stress reduction programs.

Tainan’s Social Affairs Bureau encouraged organizations to assist children and families. In addition to protecting children from violence, city officials also hoped more attention would be paid to the sexual exploitation of children and the dangers of online fraud.