Dr Zayyum Loda’am, a neurosurgeon at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola, has warned parents and caregivers against the practice of hitting children on the head as a form of punishment. He stated that such actions can lead to severe physical injuries and significantly impair neurological and brain development.
The neurosurgeon gave the warning following observations of the risks associated with physical discipline directed at the head. He emphasised that the consequences of these actions often extend far beyond immediate pain, potentially causing lasting damage to a child’s cognitive abilities.
The warning, which was shared in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), points to the growing medical concern regarding traditional methods of corporal punishment that target vulnerable parts of a child’s anatomy.
Neurological risks and physical safety
Medical professionals have long cautioned that the human skull, particularly in infants and young children, is more susceptible to trauma than that of adults. When a child is struck on the head, the impact can cause anything from minor concussions to severe intracranial haemorrhages, which may require emergency surgical intervention.
Dr Loda’am noted that the brain is still in a critical stage of growth and formation during early childhood. Physical trauma to this area can disrupt the delicate processes of neural connection, leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities, or behavioural issues that may only become apparent as the child grows older. These neurological complications can place a significant long-term burden on both the family and the healthcare system.
In many Nigerian households, corporal punishment remains a common disciplinary tool. However, the medical community is increasingly advocating for non-physical disciplinary methods to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the next generation. Experts suggest that the goal of discipline should be correction and guidance rather than inflicting physical pain that carries the risk of permanent disability.
Medical specialists continue to monitor cases of childhood head injuries in hospitals across the country, noting the direct link between physical discipline and neurological emergencies. As the frequency of these cases is tracked, the medical community is expected to increase public health campaigns aimed at educating parents on safer disciplinary alternatives.
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