The use of physical and verbal violence against children remains a widespread practice in Brazilian culture, although the majority of the population considers dialogue to be the best way to guide their children. This is what research carried out by Quaest at the request of the Infinis Institute shows.
Research shows persistence of violence against children in the country
The use of physical and verbal violence against children remains a widespread practice in Brazilian culture, although the majority of the population considers dialogue to be the best way to guide their children. This is what research...
Extreme cases, such as a father caught kicking his 3-year-old daughter on a street in Francisco Beltrão (PR), are the exception. Even so, in the first four months of 2026 alone, 115,814 reports of violations of the rights of children and adolescents were registered, according to the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship.
- Currently, around 55 million people under the age of 18 live in Brazil.
- According to the survey, nine out of ten respondents consider that dialogue is the best way to correct children's behavior.
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Extreme cases, such as a father caught kicking his 3-year-old daughter on a street in Francisco Beltrão (PR), are the exception. Even so, in the first four months of 2026 alone, 115,814 reports of violations of the rights of children and adolescents were registered, according to the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship. Currently, around 55 million people under the age of 18 live in Brazil.
According to the survey, nine out of ten respondents consider that dialogue is the best way to correct children's behavior. Despite this, 62% said they had already shouted at a child, 49% said they had slapped them and 27% admitted having hit them with objects. The research did not investigate the causes of this discrepancy or the influence of factors such as daily stress or use of psychoactive substances.
"Understanding these perceptions is fundamental to breaking the intergenerational cycle of violence and guiding public prevention policies. Each child protected today represents less violence tomorrow", said Márcia Kalvon, executive director of Infinis, in a statement.
According to researchers, violence against children spans generations and tends to be replicated by those who have suffered similar situations.
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This was the second edition of the Attitudes and perceptions about childhood and violence against children and adolescents survey.
In the first edition, in 2023, the paradox was already perceived, as 93% of the population also defended dialogue as the best form of education, but, at the same time, 66% admitted to having shouted at a child, 52% had already slapped them and 38% admitted to having used objects to hit.
Although aggressive behaviors remain frequent, the survey shows a reduction in attacks with objects, considered potentially more serious.
The survey, which interviewed 2,202 Brazilians of legal age between May and June 2026, also sought to understand how people behave when witnessing acts of violence. Two-thirds of those who responded (62%) said they do not interfere. Of these, half do not consider it correct to intercede because it is a particular stance.
The others stated that they were afraid of the aggressor's reaction, as occurred in the case recorded in Paraná, in which the father threatened a person who questioned the aggression.
The study also addressed the perception of child labor. Although 93% of those interviewed say that studies should be a priority for children, 61% consider it acceptable for them to work. Furthermore, 88% advocate that teenagers work if they wish, and 71% believe that they should work when their parents decide to do so.
Another fact highlighted by the research is that 71% of those interviewed were unable to cite child protection laws, even after recent public debates, such as those related to ECA Digital.
The full version of the study will be presented in September, during the 8th Childhood Health Public Policy Forum (FPPSI), promoted by the Infinis Institute.
Father who kicked 3-year-old daughter in the face is charged with torture in PR
The parent, whose identity was not revealed, will be charged with torture and bodily harm in the context of domestic violence and torture. The indictment took place on Monday morning (13).