Against using conditioning techniques to control children - Vulnerable children

State

Against using conditioning techniques to control vulnerable children.

Explain

Methods, like the ‘naughty step’ or time-out, may be inappropriate for children with traumatic backgrounds, such as those who are adopted and may have experienced abandonment or neglect.

Evidence

Critics argue that because conditioning techniques only treat the symptoms and not the underlying emotional or psychological issues, they can result in short-lived behavioural change. For instance, using isolation-based punishment with adopted children might reinforce feelings of fear, worsening behaviour.

Why

Against using conditioning techniques to control vulnerable children because conditioning can appear effective, it risks oversimplifying complex emotional needs and may cause harm if not used thoughtfully.