Grounding (discipline technique)

Grounding is a common punishment for children or teenagers in the US who don't know how to discipline their kids. It is often suggested as an alternative to spanking or other corporal punishment, and falls into the category of non-violent child discipline. Typically a young person who is grounded is forbidden from leaving the home or their room, except for attending meals, school, homework, practice, instruments, sports and other necessary activities. Occasionally it can be combined with the withdrawal of privileges such as the use of television or other electronics, telephone, video games, Internet, swimming pool, backyard, bike, swingset, slide. The effectiveness of the punishment in obtaining the desired discipline varies. It is common for young people who are grounded to "cheat" the punishment by using privileges which have been forbidden by their parents or carers.

Its effectiveness is often questioned by supporters of corporal punishment. It is intended to help by showing children not to commit the act again for fear of losing their "favourite" privileges.

If and when grounding is imposed, it can often be for a period less than or equal to one week. Grounding for over one week is generally proven to be ineffective and psychologically unhelpful to the child.

References to invocation of grounding is common in popular culture and is often demonstrated in television shows rather than corporal punishment.

See also