Grounding (discipline technique)

Grounding is a form of punishment given to children or adolescents by their parents, and typically involves being forbidden from leaving the home, doing bad things, or getting a bad grade report, for social reasons.

Because grounding involves removal from a social setting, it is generally used when the behavior involves a social setting. It is usually also connected to a specific family rule such as a curfew. Fear of being grounded will often keep a teenager from breaking the rules; there are few things a teen values more than their freedom and independence. The punishment typically defines a time-frame as well as the removal of specific privileges such as television, bike, video games, computer, or the use of the family car for a period of time.

If the consequence of grounding is used inappropriately, it may backfire, resulting in a teen getting more sneaky and deceptive to get what he wants without the parents finding out. It may also lead to reduced communications and further problems. Disobeying the terms of the punishment will usually lead to the loss of additional privileges or a longer grounding period.

See also

• Child discipline
• Parenting styles