Positive Parenting in South Africa: Why supporting families is key to development and violence prevention

Parenting has a direct impact on a child’s behavior, therefore supporting parents in violence reduction is critical to the growth of children. In order for nationwide violence reduction, scale up of evidence-based programs is needed across the national social service system. By investing in parenting support, nations are indirectly investing in child protection and development. This policy brief details South Africa’s National Development Plan, which includes evidence-based positive parenting programming. Indirect benefits for children include school attendance, improved future employment, reduced youth violence, reduced drug and alcohol use, and reduced child abuse.